
The Rape of the Lock
'The Rape of the Lock' Summary
In the beginning of this mock-epic, Pope declares that a "dire offence" (Canto 1 line 1) has been committed. A lord has assaulted a "gentle belle" (line 8), causing her to reject him. He then proceeds to tell the story of this offence.
While Belinda is still asleep, her guardian Sylph Ariel forewarns her that "some dread event impends". Belinda then awakes and gets ready for the day with the help of her maid, Betty. The Sylphs, though unseen, also contribute: "These set the head, and those divide the hair, some fold the sleeve, whilst others plait the gown" (146–147). Here Pope also describes Belinda's two locks of hair "which graceful hung behind". The Baron, one of Belinda's suitors, greatly admires these locks and conspires to steal one. Building an altar, he places on it "all the trophies of his former loves" (line 40), sets them on fire and fervently prays "soon to obtain, and long possess" (line 44) the lock.
Ariel, disturbed by the impending event although not knowing what it will be, summons many sylphs to her and instructs them to guard Belinda from anything that may befall her, whether she "forget her prayers, or miss a masquerade, Or lost her heart, or necklace, at a ball" (line 108–109). So protected, Belinda arrives at Hampton Court and is invited to play a game of ombre.
The conspiring Baron acquires a pair of scissors and tries to snip off one of her locks, but he is prevented by the watchful Sylphs. This happens three times, but in the end the Baron succeeds (also cutting a Sylph in two although Pope reassures us, parodying a passage in Paradise Lost, that "airy substance soon unites again" [line 152]). When Belinda discovers her lock is gone, she falls into a tantrum, while the Baron celebrates his victory.
A gnome named Umbriel now journeys to the Cave of Spleen and from the Queen receives a bag of "sighs, sobs, and passions, and the war of tongues" (canto 4 line 84) and a vial filled "with fainting fears, soft sorrows, melting griefs, and flowing tears" (line 85–86) and brings them to Belinda. Finding her dejected in the arms of the woman Thalestris, Umbriel pours the contents over them both.
Many people, moved by Belinda's grief, demand the lock back, but the Baron is unrepentant and refuses. Clarissa admonishes them to keep their good humour, but they will not listen and instead a battle ensues with glares, songs and wits as weapons. Belinda fights with the Baron and throws snuff up his nose to subdue him. When she demands that he restore the lock, however, it is nowhere to be found. It has been made a constellation and is destined to outlast the contestants.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1712Authors

Alexander Pope
England
Alexander Pope was a towering figure in English literature, particularly during the 18th century's Augustan Age. Considered one of the greatest poets of his time, Pope excelled in satire and philosoph...
Books by Alexander PopeDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Momentary Grief by George Crabbe
It is a poem that captures the depth of human emotions and experiences in a unique and captivating way. This book takes the reader on a journey throug...

Dead Joke and The Funny Man by James Whitcomb Riley
This collection of poetry, 'Dead Joke and The Funny Man', by James Whitcomb Riley, showcases his signature style of humor and heartwarming storytellin...

White Sister by Francis Marion Crawford
Set in late 19th-century Italy, "White Sister" tells the story of Angela Chiaromonte, a young woman from a wealthy family who finds herself facing a l...

Camilla by Fanny Burney
Camilla, Frances Burney's third novel, delves into the complexities of love, courtship, and societal expectations in late 18th-century England. The st...

Pioneers by Katharine S. Prichard
The Pioneers follows the Cameron family, free settlers who establish a cattle operation in the rugged Gippsland region of Victoria. The novel explores...

Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
D'amants qu'ils étaient, le Vicomte de Valmont et la Marquise de Merteuil sont restés complices dans leurs projets de liaisons et confidents dans leur...

Coast of Bohemia by William Dean Howells
In 'Coast of Bohemia,' William Dean Howells examines the clash between the conventional world of middle-class society and the unconventional realm of...

Little Eve Edgarton by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
Eve Edgarton is not who she seems she is. A short encounter with Mr. Barton show that first impressions are not always right or indicative of one's se...

Other Things Being Equal by Emma Wolf
Ruth Levice, a young woman from a wealthy Jewish family in San Francisco, finds herself drawn to Dr. Herbert Kemp. Their growing affection faces a sig...
Reviews for The Rape of the Lock
No reviews posted or approved, yet...