Individualism in society is often linked with social isolation. In T.S Eliot’s ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’ the issue of loneliness within society is very prominent. The character of Prufrock is an aging man undergoing a phase of uncertainty and negative self-perception. Although Prufrock is at a social gathering, he feels isolated and lonely and this is depicted through the interruption ‘in the room the

Both Prufrock and The Woman view age as a negative aspect, a part of themselves that is slipping away. The mirror likens the response of the woman to that of someone seeing a ‘terrible fish’ emerging from the lake that it is. The passing of years does not only bring social isolation, but isolation from one’s self. The ‘Every Woman’ in the mirror feels as though the younger part of her has disappeared into its depths. Prufrock too is insecure as to his own worth. He sees himself as an ‘attendance lord’ or even ‘the fool’ to be used and discarded, of no real use. Age however, is no always a cause of isolation and loneliness. The ‘old friends’ in stimulus 2b demonstrate the strength of friendship withstanding the challenge of time. Both have expressions of happiness on their faces. The composer’s portrayal of the sense of closeness between the two characters is a key part of the image.

Both T.S Eliot and Silvia Plath deal with the concept that changes in society can create a sense of isolation. This is reflected in both ‘Prufrock’ and ‘Mirror’. Aging and the passing of time is an issue dealt with in both of these texts. T

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