Rape of the Lock, The meaning

The Rape of the Lock satirizes the triviality of a social scandal by elevating it to epic proportions.


Rape of the Lock, The definitions

Word backwards epaR fo eht ,kcoL ehT
Part of speech The phrase "Rape of the Lock, The" is a proper noun phrase.
Syllabic division Rape - of - the - Lock
Plural The plural of "Rape of the Lock, The" would be "Rapes of the Lock, The."
Total letters 16
Vogais (3) a,e,o
Consonants (9) r,p,f,t,h,l,c,k

The Rape of the Lock is a mock-heroic narrative poem written by Alexander Pope. It was first published in 1712 and revised and expanded several times afterwards.

The poem is based on the real-life incident where Lord Petre, a young aristocrat, playfully cut off a lock of Arabella Fermor's hair. This act led to a falling out between the families, and Pope took this trivial event and elevated it to epic proportions in his poem.

Style and Themes

Pope employs heroic couplets and intricate language to satirize the triviality of the incident and the vanity of the people involved. The poem explores themes of love, vanity, social status, and the role of women in society.

Main Characters

The main characters in the poem include Belinda, who is based on Arabella Fermor, and the Baron, who represents Lord Petre. Other characters like Ariel, Umbriel, and Clarissa play supporting roles in the narrative.

Symbolism and Satire

The lock of hair taken by the Baron becomes a symbol of Belinda's beauty and virtue. The poem satirizes the social customs and values of the time, including the importance placed on appearance and reputation.

The Rape of the Lock is a masterpiece of English literature that combines wit, humor, and social commentary in a clever and engaging way. It remains a popular work studied in literature courses around the world.


Rape of the Lock, The Examples

  1. In English literature, "Rape of the Lock, The" is a mock-heroic narrative poem by Alexander Pope.
  2. Many scholars consider "Rape of the Lock, The" to be a satirical commentary on the society of the time.
  3. Students often study "Rape of the Lock, The" in their English literature classes.
  4. The themes explored in "Rape of the Lock, The" are still relevant today.
  5. Some critics praise the wit and humor of "Rape of the Lock, The".
  6. The title "Rape of the Lock, The" refers to a specific incident in the poem.
  7. Readers may interpret "Rape of the Lock, The" in various ways due to its complex nature.
  8. Alexander Pope's "Rape of the Lock, The" was first published in the early 18th century.
  9. The style and structure of "Rape of the Lock, The" reflect Pope's mastery of poetic technique.
  10. Scholars continue to analyze and interpret "Rape of the Lock, The" to uncover new insights into its meaning.


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  • Updated 22/04/2024 - 20:50:23