Blog Post #2 Topic # 3 Mira Daya

Angst is defined as a feeling of deep anxiety or dread. Whether it is written, filmed or even drawn, individuals have various creative outlets that allow them to express their thoughts and feelings caused by angst. This short analysis will focus on the difference in representation of SAD in T.S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock compared to Aaron Burstein’s Social Anxiety at 130 BPM which is performed as a slam poetry reading. 

Both T.S. Eliot and Burstein are describing a thought process that is being developed as the narrator of their poem is attending a social gathering. Eliot writes in the perspective of Prufrock while Burstein speaks for himself. Burstein’s piece presents us with a very rushed, and quick but also humorous paced tone as he is met with racing thoughts caused by his social anxiety. Since this is his presentation style, it is easy for his listeners to imagine and feel his anxiety while he is anxiously describing his night at this party. Eliot’s piece is written in a more bitter but hopeful tone as Prufrock experiences a lot of internal conflicts due to his social anxiety. The reader of Eliot’s piece may feel  ore frustration as to why Prufrock is not fulfilling his desires at his gathering

An example of angst that we are presented with is Burstein expressing paranoia and fear of judgement when he says very worriedly and in very quickly, “Am I- am I smiling too much? I don’t want to look like a creep-- FIRST IMPRESSIONS, FIRST IMPRESSIONS! I can’t let these people think I’m a creep!” In this moment, Burstein is trying to “play it smooth” in front of woman he is interested in but he is met with the fear of what people that are around him are thinking of him. Similarly, Prufrock is attempting to approach a woman when his insecurities begin to come out. Lines 37-44 show that Prufrock is paranoid that his appearance will be judged by the woman at the party which hinders his chances of connecting with one. Both Burstein and Eliot express the fear of judgement caused by deep anxiety through overanalyzing the simple act of approaching a woman. They fear that they are being watched and judged by everyone else.

To relate to a modern audience, Burstein’s way of expression is more explicit and emotional. His way of presenting is potentially more effective in keeping the interest of the audience since they get to hear him express his thoughts exactly in the perspective of when they first occurred. He says his words with a lot of animation to keep the interest of his listeners and uses language familiar to his modern audience such as slang and profanity. Burstein does not use symbols or allusions which could be because it is a live performance, he wants to make sure people can follow and relate to his poem in the moment that he performs it. Eliot’s poem is more suitable for fanatics who are looking to uncover the true meaning of experiences by analyzing sophisticated uses of imagery, symbols, and allusion. Eliot’s poem may be preferable to those who like to sit down and read poetry on their own in a slow-paced environment. Of course, it is possible both audiences can converge and that they are equally  likely to enjoy both pieces the same amount.

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