Prufrock: One line analysis

In Alfred Prufrock's Love song, the characteristics of the incapacitated individual are exemplified through diction and strong lines. The line, "But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen...", not only utilizes vivd imagery to conveys a message, but also informs the reader about the mental state of the individual.  This line is central in the poem because it indirectly states the emotions and emotional state of the poet; an emotional state of confusion, and lack of understanding for his role on Earth.  Subsequently, the poet's thoughts are convoluted and express confusion, thus, expressing a lack of purpose.  The line is important because it paints a vivid image.  "Just try to project my thoughts from all over my brain, billions of them, over the walls around me".  The speaker is searching for a place on Earth because he feels that he doesn't have a purpose in this world.  Next, it is evident through the context of the line that Prufrock's emotions are scattered everywhere, and the line conveys that state, for, it is almost impossible to "project" and infinite amount of thoughts on a canvas around an individual, especially if one were to try and count the thoughts and interpret them all.  Furthermore, one of the most important aspects of this line is that it is a metaphor for the whole poem, expressing how this individual is trying to express himself but it is impossible because he is feeling so many emotions and humans are so complex.  Prufrock's intent for this line may arguably be that he is trying to imply the complexity of the human mind.  "But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen..." is a line that is not only central to Prufrock, but also a metaphor.