Grade 12 Essay Writing Poetry

Hi can someone edit my esaay. Much appreciated

Fear of Taking Risks
Introduction: Humans are fearful of the unknown, they hesitate choosing between taking risks or avoiding them at all costs. Sometimes, their indecision leads humans to become stagnant, unable to test themselves to their limit. In T.S. Eliot’s “ The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock” and Steve Toltz’ A Fraction of The Whole the protagonists Prufrock and Martin Dean struggle to be actively involved with society and life. Whether it be their inability to integrate into community or their avoidance of . The similarities between Prufrock and Martin underscore Eliot and Toltz’ suggestion that humans should take risks in order to live a fulfilling life.

In T.S. Eliot’s “the Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” the main character, Prufrock is an indecisive person who wants to ask out a girl but keeps changing his mind. He convinces himself that he knows all of the results his actions will cause, “For I have known them all already, known them all;” ( 6) .In Prufrock’s view there is no reason to try anything if he knows all of the end results. In fact, Prufrock exaggerates the risk even further “Do I dare disturb the universe?” (5). Prufrock believes the risk will have a huge effect on his life, changing his monotonous routine, which he always measured out with coffee spoons (6). Therefore he will avoid taking risks such as, entering into society and asking the big question. Prufrock envisions the public criticizing his appearance, “How his hair is growing thin/But how his arms and legs are thin] ” (5) as a way to persuade himself not to ask the question and venture outside his comfort zone because people will gossip and watch .

Similar to the poem is Steven Toltz’ character, Martin Dean. Dean is a misogynist who loves to read philosophical texts and preach what the authors say. But, rarely takes physical action. In fact, in the eulogy Martin’s son, Jasper Dean writes, “He aspired to change the world around him, but he saw his being solid and unchangeable. He wasn’t interested in testing the limits within himself. How far can someone expand? Can his essence be found and enlarged…It hardly seems to have occurred to him.” ( ). Martin Dean believes there is no point in being involved with society or taking action since he understands human nature and reasons why people do certain things. He never attempts to take change and enter society by taking risks, which relates to Prufrock’s dilemma, they both do not take the chance to venture outside to test their ability. Staying in their comfort zone unable to grow.

Martin Dean physically isolates himself by creating a labyrinth in the middle of the woods. He distantly observes and scrutinizes the behaviour and appearance of others. Then, tries to explain people’s action by preaching philosophers thoughts on humanity . For example, at the strip bar Martin makes snide remarks about the Mr. his son’s high school teacher, “PAGE… “ Then alienates himself mentally, criticizing society as though he is different and better. This is also seen on page when he says “I chose a life apart from the common flow, not only because the common flow makes me sick but because I question the logic of the flow, and not only that …Why should I chain myself to the wheel when the wheel itself might be a common dream to enslave us?” Martin questions humanity in general about their choices and rarely relates himself to it. Not only creating a physical labyrinth but also a mental one surrounding him.

Martin Dean feels inferior to his famous brother, Terry Dean, who is the most beloved criminal of Australia. Similar to Prufrock, Martin has difficulty asking out the girl he is smitten about, Caroline Potts, since she had an intimate relationship with Terry. Martin feels that he can never be better than Terry in her eyes, “ “ ( ). Martin does not enjoy being compared to his brother. This is seen repeatedly in the novel. For instance, during the Millionaire project Martin becomes famous, not because he made 20 people instant millionaires, but for being Terry’s brother. In fact, the project was promoted by spreading around Martin’s relation with Terry, “ “. Or when Terry overshadowed Martin Dean by the publisher exchanging Martin’s name for Terry’s as the author of Martin’s book.

Prufrock compares himself to famous characters from literature such as Michelangelo, Polonius, John the Baptist. He criticizes and lowers his worth to convince himself it is impossible to court his crush. Or to prove the fact that he will fail, such as comparing himself to John the Baptiste whose death ended with his head “brought upon a platter” (12). Prufrock describes how the ladies at the teashop admire Michelangelo, a famous sculptor, while Prufrock is much more ordinary, “In the room women come and go/Talking of Michelangelo “(2). The main character believes if he asks out the lady she will compare him to Michelangelo and reject Prufrock, killing his self-esteem. Another character Prufrock talks about is Polonius, Hamlet’s attendant who is a minor character. Polonius’ death was due to being mistaken for Hamlet in the play. Which Prufrock belittles him equal status to, “an easy tool, deferential, glad to be of use/ Almost, at times, the Fool/” (15).