Prufock and Hamlet

Looking at the play Hamlet and the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”, one could deduct that the main characters are similar in several ways. One of the character flaws Hamlet is known for is his indecisiveness. J. Alfred Prufrock also deals with this same foible just as much, or more, than Hamlet does. Hamlet and Prufrock have three major things in common: they question and rationalize their situations, as well as procrastinate.
In Shakespeare's Hamlet, questioning, procrastination and rationalization define Hamlet's character. Hamlet is a very analytical person: he carefully plans and thoroughly questions his actions. Hamlet has a way of dealing with his problems. First he questions the situation, rationalizes, and then procrastinates. An example of Hamlet's questioning becomes evident in Act 3, Scene 3, when Hamlet is in the Chapel with Claudius. Hamlet is in the prime position to kill him. Then, he questions if he should: “Now might I do it pat, now he is a-praying. / And now I'll do't� (Shakespeare 3.3.76-79). Hamlet then rationalizes why he should kill Claudius now. His reason is because he is doing a good deed by killing Claudius, for he is a villain. Next, Hamlet procrastina

Prufrock rationalizes his procrastination and comes to the conclusion that there will be "time yet for another hundred indecisions, / And for a hundred visions and revisions" (Eliot 32,33). Prufrock knows he is not like the rest of the partygoers. However, he lacks the motivation, or the will power, to show them he is different for fear of being the fool. He is afraid no one will understand him. Because of his procrastination he has not accomplished anything.

No, I am not prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;

Advise the prince: no doubt, an easy tool (Eliot 11-14).

Am an attendant lord, one that will do