The individual, their place in, and the influence of society are themes present in many texts. The composers of texts must take into account many factors in the depiction of these relationships. Society itself influences the individual and in turn the individual is a reflection of society. The relationship between these two can be portrayed through a variety of concepts, such as loneliness, social isolation, companionship, love and the desire to conform. Changes in society can also create a sense of isolation, especially for those who are aging. Such concepts can be conveyed through universally identifiable symbols, both written and visual, as such is the nature of human emotions that most audience groups can relate to these ideas. .
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 people come and go, Talking of Michelangelo". Prufrock focuses on the negative aspects of himself, and think himself as a subject of other's scrutiny, a specimen "sprawling on a pin" and ""wriggling on a wall". Social isolation is also presented in stimulus text 2a, ambiguously titled "On the Edge". The silhouette, having no definite identity, represents the everyman. As the center of focus, the individual emphasises the vast landscape around him, thus creating a sense of physical isolation. As with Prufrock, the emotional state of the character is turbulent, and is symbolised by the overcast and stormy clouds overhead. In both texts, the composers focus upon the isolation that is sometimes associated with individualism. In contrast to this, Stimulus 2b, titled "Old Friends" demonstrates the human need for companionship.
