The Love Song Of J. Alfred Prufrock, By T. S. Eliot
In all honesty, I had very low expectations of English 103. I have always preferred math and science over English and did not enjoy English 102 very much. Despite my low expectations and preconceived notions of what English 103 would entail, I actually enjoyed myself this semester. Specifically, the poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot changed my demeanor. I should start with the fact that I am a feminist and anything about equality, gender roles, or stereotypes intrigues me. This poem’s take on what true masculinity entails entranced me almost immediately. The class spent on this poem was the lecture I participated the most in. After the lecture, I was taken aback by my amount of participation because I do not often like
to share thoughts in class but after re-reading the poem, I realized that the story the poem told was so strongly against everything I stand for that it provoked me to speak out. This poem was the first poem to provoke me so strongly. I have read novels and articles that have interested me in the past but nothing like this poem. Before this class, I did not know how powerful literature could be. Even though this poem promotes something I disagree with, I felt compelled to write my essay on it because as much as it pains me to say it, Eliot did a good job of promoting stereotypical manliness. That is the most fascinating part of English 103 for me. I learned that even though a piece of work can enrage me, the work itself can be done beautifully. I learned how impactful literature can be and how to appreciate it even if I do not agree with its contents. Before this class, I had not been as moved, in a good or bad way, by a piece of literature and I am very pleased to say T.S. Eliot has now done that.
to share thoughts in class but after re-reading the poem, I realized that the story the poem told was so strongly against everything I stand for that it provoked me to speak out. This poem was the first poem to provoke me so strongly. I have read novels and articles that have interested me in the past but nothing like this poem. Before this class, I did not know how powerful literature could be. Even though this poem promotes something I disagree with, I felt compelled to write my essay on it because as much as it pains me to say it, Eliot did a good job of promoting stereotypical manliness. That is the most fascinating part of English 103 for me. I learned that even though a piece of work can enrage me, the work itself can be done beautifully. I learned how impactful literature can be and how to appreciate it even if I do not agree with its contents. Before this class, I had not been as moved, in a good or bad way, by a piece of literature and I am very pleased to say T.S. Eliot has now done that.