Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock Essay - 1296 Words

Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock is a satirical poem that features a theme of gender roles. Throughout the poem, Pope uses his protagonist Belinda, to poke fun at the superficial nature of aristocratic women. He focuses on the ritual of womanhood and approaches it like a trivial matter, and her reaction to the offence is hysterical. Through this portrayal, he reveals that the Baron has a childish quality in his need for revenge for Belinda’s stab at his ego. The speaker’s view does come across as misogynistic, but the woman is trying to stand her ground in a society dominated by men. Taking into consideration that a male wrote the poem, during the 18th century, when woman had a particular place in society, and men often†¦show more content†¦The men are enticed by Belinda’s beauty and this is her weapon in the battle against men. Some women may object, but many women do just what Pope describes Belinda as doing, using her beauty to lure m en in so she could conquer their hearts. Her locks are precious and Pope writes: This Nymph, to the destruction of mankind, Nourishd two Locks, which graceful hung behind In equal curls, and well conspird to deck With shining ringlets the smooth ivry neck. (2.19-22) Popes description proves that her locks are her most feminine and most powerful weapon. She wears her locks knowing they will lure everyone to her beauty and she may mesmerize them and have the power. The title of the poem points to a rape, but not the conventional rape the reader may think of, rather, it is the rape of a lock of hair as Pope writes. Often women are blamed for the actions that led to a rape, and the reader can interpret Pope as saying that Belinda got what she was looking for, considering she did a lot of extra work to lure men into her web. Her beauty was incredible, â€Å"If to her share some female errors fall, / Look on her face, and youll forget em all† (1.17-18). The Baron wants to conquer this beauty as the day before he â€Å"had implord / Propitious heavn, and evry powr adord, / But chiefly Love — to Love an Altar built† (2.35-36). This is what Ariel’s premonition in his dream meant, the Baron, â€Å"begs with ardent eyes /Show MoreRelatedMaterialism In Alexander Pope And Popes Rape Of The Lock1322 Words   |  6 Pagesmaterialism heightened throughout societal views. Authors such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift vivi dly spew these views throughout their writings. Pope’s Rape of the Lock exposes the materialism used in objectifying women, mainly in the upper-class societal levels. The whole plot of the story centers around a cosmetic appearance creating an objectified view, as since the lock of hair was cut from a womans head, the missing lock became, so called, evidence of a man’s sexual conquest. Other sexualRead More The Downfalls of Materialism in Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock2857 Words   |  12 PagesThe Downfalls of Materialism in Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock Commodities have been a part of human culture from the start of the first civilizations. They can be crudely constructed or richly made works of art; they are still objects, however. Some people treasure their possessions more than anything in the world. These objects can become the driving force behind a persons life and desires. When someones prized possession is stolen, it may seem as though a disaster has taken placeRead More The Scale of Values in Alexander Popes Poem The Rape of the Lock1375 Words   |  6 Pagesof Values in Alexander Popes Poem The Rape of the Lock I found Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock a delightful, amusing poem. Throughout the poem, trivialities are compared with events and objects or consequence and the insignificant is treated with utmost importance. Its very title gives the reader an immediate clue; rape and all its connotations bring to mind a heinous crime of physical and spiritual violation. Perhaps this description could apply to the theft of a lock of hair, butRead More Belinda Placing Blame in Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock1442 Words   |  6 PagesBelinda Placing Blame in Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock I will be examining lines 147-160 of Canto IV in The Rape of the Lock. In this selection, Belinda speaks in a monologue, apparently regretting past actions that have caused her the loss of her lock. However, it becomes clear that she is exaggerating her loss and the preventive measures she could have taken. By citing radical changes that would have been necessary to prevent the occurrence, she makes it clear that it is veryRead MoreDiscuss Alexander Popes The Rape Of The Lock as a Mock Heroic Poem.2174 Words   |  9 Pageswas composed after John Caryll, a friend of Popes, informed the poet of an incident regarding two land owning, Catholic families, the Petres the Fermors. The young lord Petre had cut off a lock of hair from the fashionable society lady Arabella Fermor, and both she and her family had taken offence. Caryll suggested that Pope should write a poem to to make a jest of it, and laugh them together again. The result was the publication of The Rape of the Lock, in M ay 1712. However due to a favourableRead MoreAlexander Pope and Women Essay example1658 Words   |  7 PagesAlexander Pope may have been the adversary of female behavior the extent of this has long been in question. The writer’s satirical style towards the women of his era is evidence of his opinions. However, there are noticeable facts that generate a swaying effect on Pope’s views and the meaning of The Rape of the Lock. These details consist of the author’s personal life and symbolism contained in his mock epic poem, including the voices of Bella and Clarissa, which is an indication that he may notRead MoreAnne Finchs Opposition to The Rape of the Lock Essay examples1412 Words   |  6 PagesThe Rape of the Lock The Restoration Period (1660-1700) was a period of social, political and philosophical turmoil, which laid the foundation for future centuries. This period was marked by an advance in colonization and trade and by the birth of the Whig and Tory parties. In poetry, works of Alexander Pope and Anne Finch and a number of other poets distinguishes the Restoration. But, there are several objections from these poets; one particular opposition occurs between Pope’s The Rape of theRead MorePope, Swift, and Aristocratic Women Essay1652 Words   |  7 Pagesliterature: Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock and Jonathan Swift’s â€Å"The Lady’s Dressing Room†. In Pope’s mock-heroic verse The Rape of the Lock (1717) what is criticised is a moral fault: mainly, immoderate female moral pride. There are several versions of the poem. However, we have preferred the last one which consists of 794 lines in five cantos, as it was revised to be included in Pope’s Works (1717) and is the one which stands now. Written in heroic couplets, this work tells the rape of Belinda’sRead MoreJohn Milton s Paradise Lost And Alexander Pope s The Rape Of The Lock1220 Words   |  5 Pagesmonologues, there is a long journey or quest, the hero earns some sort of prize for accomplishing his goals, and the use of epic similes is apparent. Several of these epic conventions are seen throughout John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock. Paradise Lost is predominantly centered on the supernatural. It focuses on the story of Adam and Eve and how they lost their â€Å"paradise.† There are a couple arguments on who the real hero in Paradise Lost is. Some support SatanRead MoreRape of the Lock by Alexander Pope Essay596 Words   |  3 PagesRape of the Lock by Alexander Pope Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock is not studied and admired only because of its style and form, but also for its base content and underlying themes. Popes ability to manipulate text into mock-heroic form, constructing a flow of satirical description is what makes this poem one of such quality. The piece was first published in 1712 by the request of Popes friend, John Caryll. It was to make peace between the Fermors and Petres, two prominent Roman