The themes of certainty and uncertainty are explored in depth through a comparative analysis of two poems written by renowned poets, T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” and Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Ulysses.” Both poems revolve around the idea that life is filled with difficult decisions and moments of indecision, yet also offer insight into how one can find strength to overcome these uncertainties and reach greater heights than before.
Write a comparative analysis of the poems centered the themes of certainty and uncertainty. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot and “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
In T.S Eliot’s poem, there is an abundance of uncertainty as Prufrock struggles with fear, doubt, and insecurity while trying to make sense out of his life: “Do I dare disturb the universe?” He questions if anyone would take him seriously or even care for what he has to say; as such his feelings seem helplessly insignificant against the backdrop of time and existence: “I grow old… I grow old.” Here we see both an acceptance (certainty) that life changes over time but also a hesitation (uncertainty) to embrace it fully -Prufrocks age brings upon him anxieties about growing older without having accomplished anything meaningful in his lifetime; this uncertain feeling is further emphasized when Prufrock states:”No! I am not Prince Hamlet”. In other words: he isn’t capable enough, brave enough or important enough to be able to do great things – a feeling often experienced by many individuals who suffer from imposter syndrome- leading them towards a path full of doubt rather than security or courage.
On the other hand, Tennyson’s poem speaks strongly on matters pertaining to certainty amid uncertainty within its characters journey — Ulysses himself being compelled by an internal call urging him outwards beyond the boundaries where others have stopped before:”Though much is taken much abides “. This phrase serves as a powerful metaphor for finding strength in oneself despite facing daunting obstacles because unlike Prufrocks’ sentiment – Ulysses accepts that times will change but offers more courage over doubts indicating possibilities for growth no matter what lies ahead: “To strive ,to seek ,to find ,and not yield “. The speaker here does not shy away from exploring uncharted territories instead takes comfort in knowing so long as he strives forward something good may come out of it; this approach gives us hope that although nothing can be certain in life’s journeys–one should still keep going regardless which ultimately leads us closer towards our desired destination(certainty).
Unlike “The Love Song Of J Alfred Prufrock” wherein there seems little faith in achieving any form certainty given all hesitations at play–Tennysons poem helps readers understand that regardless what comes your way so long you remain determined (certainty), then somewhere along your journey you shall find newfound strength (security) which will help propel yourself further towards success(uncertainty). As such both poems explore deeply how confidence triumphed over doubt amidst situations full on unpredictability–demonstrating similarities between them only strengthens their message since when we come together despite our differences then anything becomes possible .