In T.S. Eliot’s poem, J. Alfred Prufrock wrestles with profound self-doubt and existential anxiety. When Prufrock contemplates the question, ‘Do I dare disturb the universe?’ it reflects his internal conflict about stepping outside of his comfort zone and taking risks in life and love.
On one level, this line suggests Prufrock’s awareness of the implications his actions might have on the larger world—his fears of disrupting the social order or making a significant impact. He grapples with feelings of insignificance, questioning whether his small, timid self could indeed matter in the grand scheme of things.
Furthermore, it also reveals Prufrock’s longing for connection but his overwhelming fear of rejection and failure. The universe can be seen as a metaphor for both society and his own inner world, which he fears disturbing with his desires and vulnerabilities. Ultimately, this line encapsulates the essence of Prufrock’s character: a man caught between the desire for meaningful existence and the paralyzing fear of taking action.