"Dear Prudence" is a song that appears in The Beatles (also referred to as The White Album). It was written by John Lennon, but was credited as Lennon/McCartney. It was recorded on August 28-30 1968.
Inspiration[]
The "Prudence" referred to in this song is Prudence Farrow, little sister of famous actress Mia Farrow.
When The Beatles went to India, they met Prudence Farrow, a woman so wrapped up in her meditation that she almost never left her room, the only time being when she had her meals or was at a lecture.
She, however, did not hear about the song until she was informed by George just as The Beatles were leaving the ashram.
Across the Universe[]
Not only is one of the lead female characters named Prudence, it was also sung to her by four other members of the main cast.
In the movie, Prudence had a hidden crush on Sadie and she was devastated when she found out that she loved Jojo. This led her to lock herself in the closet and keep away from the rest of the group. Hoping to cheer her up, Jude, Lucy, Max and Sadie sang "Dear Prudence." Their plan succeeds and she eventually gets out of the closet. She leaves the group, though, to work for Mr. Kite as Henry the horse.