Winesburg and "Prufrock"

           

Embedded in literature of different times and forms are common ties that bind them together thematically. Two of the recent works we have read in class are an ideal representation of this idea. Both the novel Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson and the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” (which I will refer to as “Prufrock”) by T. S. Eliot consist of common elements that tie them together, although different forms of literature. Both literary works illustrate ideas of fragmentation, disillusionment, and question of the meaning of life.

The most prevalent similarity lies in the structure of the two literary works as well. The structure of Winesburg consists of various stories of different characters all tied together by a repeating character, George Willard. Similarly, “Prufrock” consists of different sections that each create a different image, but are tied together by a similar speaker. By having different parts to create a whole, the literary works call attention to the details within each individual section, allowing us to connect smaller details to the meaning of the work as whole.

But the thematic connection lies beyond the fragmentation itself, focusing upon what this fragmentation insinuates about dismemberment and disillusionment. A common demonstration of this concept is seen in how both works use body parts heavily – separating them from the individual as a whole and focusing on the specific body part. This is seen in Winesburg throughout the novel. It mentions the “slender expressive fingers” (Anderson 6) of Wing Biddlebaum, the “white beard and huge nose” (Anderson 10) of Doctor Reefy, and the “long white hands” of Elizabeth Willard (Anderson 14). This dismemberment takes place to divert the attention from the large picture to distinct details that help create a persona for the characters. Similarly, “Prufrock” exhibits this same sort of dismemberment of the individual:

“And I have known the arms already, known them all–

Arms that are braceleted and white and bare

[But in lamplight, downed with light down hair!]

It is perfume from a dress

That makes me so digress?

Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about a shawl."

Instead of speaking about the women, Elliot refers to their arms and dresses, perfume and shawls. This shows a fragmentation and dismemberment of the individual and highlights these details to show that the speaker feels admiring, yet out of place. Furthering this similarity lies in the tone and message of the two works as well. Throughout most of “Prufrock” there is a sense of aloofness in the speaker and a sense of disillusionment. This disillusionment transfers itself into Winesburg as well within characters such as Elizabeth Willard who gradually becomes separated from herself, other people, and God. Another example of this would be Wash Williams, who appears to believe nothing in the world is worth noting other than himself. This brings the common idea of some sort of tragedy in the characters in Winesburg and the speaker in “Prufrock” that makes them feel separated from themselves, others, and God.

This disillusionment spurs the additional question of the meaning of life, and what an individual should seek to do with his life. In both Winesburg, Ohio and “Prufrock”, the overarching question of the meaning of life is prominent in enhancing the works thematically. In “Prufrock” there are many instances the speaker questions his current state of life and his future:

“In a minute there is time

For decisions and revision which a minute will reverse

….

And should I then presume

And how should I begin?”

In Winesburg, Ohio, George Willard is a young man that questions how he should go about his own life. This sort of question of development is apparent in the story of “Sophistication”, which ended with my own question of whether George had indeed matured. Both Winesburg and “Prufrock” display people that are struggling coming to terms with their existence and are unsure of what to do with their futures.

These thematic elements allowed for me to tie these overarching ideas to the larger scope of literature, something that brings out feelings I really can’t help but appreciate.