Later in the poem Prufrock fears that he will “disturb the universe” which emphasises his overwhelming insecurity and lack of confidence. He convinces himself that there is enough time to not need to rush into action, however if he always tells himself this then he will run out of time. Here Eliot highlights the monotony of life, and how the passing of time is inescapable. He illustrates the tedious concerns of Prufrock by constantly asking questions related to the social world he appears to be hiding from. “Should I, after tea and cakes and ices, / Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis?.”
The image of the etherized patient could also however be seen as a metaphor, reflecting his inability to act upon what he knows is wrong. Prufrock knows that the world is corrupt, bleak and empty, yet he does nothing to change it because he doesn’t believe he can. This shows his lack of ambition because his insecurities have led him to believe he cannot make a difference.
The “yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window panes” was suggested by Eliot to be indicative of the smoke in the factories in his hometown St. Louis, however there are obvious indications and associations with cats. Eliot was a great cat lover, and it has been suggested that he was the greatest lover of cats to every write poetry. The cat appears to be looking in on a room of women “talking of Michelangelo” and unable to enter. Instead, it lingers outside wishing to come in, which creates a strong visual image comparing it to Prufrock who also desires yet avoids entering. Although there is probably not a physical room Prufrock wishes to enter, Eliot uses the idea of this room to show how Prufrock yearns for physical contact with other people, yet avoids it through fear of rejection. This shows Prufrock’s lack of ambition and self-pitying nature because the cat appears to be undignified, weak and non-confrontational; rather like Prufrock. Also, the connotation of “prude in a frock” can be seen here, because generally cats and other feline creatures are usually associated with feminine characteristics
Eliot often begins lines with the word “and” and repeats “there will be a time” which implies that the time is passing. This shows how Prufrock deals with the issue of ageing because he sees it as constantly creeping up on him. The melancholic imagery and reflections used in the poem seem more like what an older man would say whilst reflecting upon his youth, however although Eliot doesn’t give him an exact age, Prufrock appears to be a young man. This emphasises Eliot’s opinion on aging, because even the young man who should be enjoying his youth is caught up in the insecurity and monotony of the world, and instead speaks like an old man.
Ulysses however has a completely different approach to life. Whereas Prufrock is reluctant to take risks for fear of rejection, Ulysses declares that there’s no point staying home “by this still hearth” with his “aged wife.” He asserts that he “cannot rest from travel” and feels the need to live life to the fullest. He considers himself to be a role model for everyone who adventures in the world, and Tennyson shows that he has been exposed to many different types of people and cultures. As well as coming across the “delight of battle”
Unlike Prufrock who uses his past experiences as fears for what is to happen in the future, “I am a part of all that I have met” shows that Ulysses thinks that his travels and adventures have shaped who he is. He yearns for new experiences and wants to “follow knowledge like a sinking star” so that he can learn new things and become a wiser traveller.
Ulysses can be seen to be the complete opposite to Prufrock in that he is extremely ambitious. Whereas Prufrock is cautious and fearful of the future, Ulysses enjoys not knowing what the future holds, and eagerly anticipates what adventures await him. Ulysses looks forward to future adventures, whereas Prufrock knows he is going to die soon, but he still cannot even "dare to eat a peach." The Chinese view peaches as a symbol of marriage, and in declaring that he cannot even dare eat a peach, Prufrock confirms our suspicion that he will never have the courage to enjoy the intimacy with another person he so craves.
Another way in which the characters of Ulysses and Prufrock contrast each other is their idea of ageing. Prufrock appears to already be similar to an old man in the way in which he reflects on his past; however Ulysses seems younger and full of life. Ulysses states that “tis not too late to seek a newer world” which sums up his wish to live life to the fullest. Although Ulysses and his mariners aren’t as strong as they were when they were younger, he states that they are still “strong in will” and so are kept alive by their perseverance “to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.” This reflects a personal aspect of the poem to Tennyson, as it stated his own “need of going forward and braving the struggle of life” after experiencing the death of a close friend.
In conclusion, the characters of Prufrock and Ulysses contrast greatly in their treatment of age and ambition; in fact they are complete opposites. Whereas Prufrock sees new situations as intimidating and cause for concern, Ulysses enjoys such experiences and enjoys the thrill of now knowing what is about to happen. The Victorians considered Ulysses to be a strong role model of individual self assertion and striving to make more out of life, whereas Prufrock is so wound up in his own insecurities and fears that he doesn’t enjoy what life has given him.