The Rape of the Lock

Definition

The Rape of the Lock is a satirical poem by Alexander Pope that tells the story of a petty quarrel between two aristocratic families in 18th-century England over a stolen lock of hair. This poem, written in a mock-epic style, uses exaggerated language and heroic couplets to critique the trivialities of high society and highlight the absurdity of social norms and values at the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The poem was published in 1712 and later revised in 1714, becoming one of Pope's most famous works.
2. Pope wrote The Rape of the Lock in response to a real-life incident involving two families, the Fermors and the Petres.
3. The narrative follows the abduction of Belinda's lock of hair by the Baron, which sparks outrage and a battle between the genders.
4. The poem features a range of supernatural elements, such as sylphs, which represent the spirits guarding women’s honor.
5. Pope's use of heroic couplets throughout the poem helps to create a sense of grandeur and seriousness that contrasts with the trivial subject matter.

Review Questions

• How does The Rape of the Lock utilize mock-epic conventions to enhance its satire?
  • The Rape of the Lock employs mock-epic conventions by treating a trivial event—a stolen lock of hair—with grandiosity typically reserved for epic tales. This juxtaposition highlights the absurdity of societal values and priorities in 18th-century England. By using elevated language and heroic imagery, Pope effectively satirizes the seriousness with which high society approached minor scandals, emphasizing how misplaced their values truly were.
• Discuss how Pope's use of heroic couplets contributes to the overall tone and structure of The Rape of the Lock.
  • Pope’s use of heroic couplets throughout The Rape of the Lock lends a rhythmic elegance and formal structure to the poem. This choice not only enhances the satirical tone but also reinforces the contrast between the poem’s serious style and its trivial subject matter. The couplets create a sense of flow that mirrors epic narratives while mocking their conventions, effectively drawing attention to the ridiculousness inherent in the social conflict depicted.
• Evaluate the significance of supernatural elements in The Rape of the Lock and their role in advancing Pope's critique of society.
  • The supernatural elements in The Rape of the Lock, particularly the sylphs who protect women's honor, serve as a critical tool for Pope's social critique. By incorporating these ethereal beings into a mock-epic narrative, Pope underscores how seriously society viewed personal honor and reputation. This fantastical layer not only adds humor but also amplifies his commentary on gender dynamics and societal expectations, highlighting how absurdly women’s lives were influenced by both social customs and male actions.

Related terms

Mock-epic: A genre that imitates the style and form of epic poetry but treats trivial subjects with a grandiose tone, often to satirize them.

Heroic couplet: A pair of rhymed lines in iambic pentameter, often used in English poetry, which became a hallmark of neoclassical poetry.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.