THE RAPE OF THE LOCK analysis

The "Rape of the Lock" is a mock heroic poem in five cantos. Pope readopted the real name of the character and named she Belinda. Belinda is an Aristocrat. Pope criticizes Aristocracy and its habits; the poet makes a critics and a parody of the character. The object of parody is Belinda. She is a young lady and she is getting ready for the day.

In the first line the reader can find the alliteration of the sound of "ei".

At line 3 Belinda is described like as "nymph" in order to underline that she thinks only to her physical appearance. Then Pope uses a synecdoche: the word "glass" refers to the mirror where Belinda looks at herself.

At line 4 Pope uses the word "cosmetic power" in order to underline that the beauty of Aristocracy is not natural. They have the power, they rule, but their power is artificial.

Moreover at line 7 Belinda is compared to a priestess, who is devoted to pray. The poet makes a classical reference. Maybe the reader can understand that he has not got a good opinion of Belinda and he uses the adjective "inferior" in order to reduce her value. He also describes the table of Belinda as an altar.

At line 8 there is the alliteration of "b" in "trembling beings" in order to create confusion.

According to Pope we are in front of a vain person. He describes all the boxes that are on the table.At line 15 there are 2 synecdoches: tortoise and elephant refer to the materials her combs made of.

At line 18 the sound "p" and "b" are very important because they underline an exaggeration and express a sense of impatience: it seems that someone is waiting for her. Then Pope makes a similarity between Belinda at her-dressing table and an epic hero getting armed for the battle.

At line 19 the reader can also find an oximoro "awful beauty". In order to ridicules Belinda, the poet often uses words and expressions take from the religious code. For example:"The inferior priestess", "Altar side" and "Sacred rites". He also uses words taken from mythology: "Nymph" and "Sylphs".

Besides, Pope evidences the precious materials by which her objects are made of. He underlines the waste of money of Belinda and Aristocracy in general which use objects coming from colony. On the other hand this evidences also the great power England at that period.