Rape of the Lock Essay

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Moral Aspects of “The Rape of the Lock” by Alexander Pope In the “Rape of the Lock”, Alexander Pope uses a delicate and serious tone to describe a feud between a man and woman, and before it is over, introduces a very important moral to the poem. Within this entertaining poem, Pope shines light on the superiority and jealousy that two individuals feel for one another, which ultimately leads to the feud of their families. In hopes of revealing the moral of the poem, he also lends the serious voice of Clarissa to “talk of serious things: aging, disease, and death” (Goldfarb). Pope begins with a brief synopsis of how Belinda views herself personally and compared to other people. The Baron reacts when he can not acquire what it is he desires. “Pope uses language to enhance a dramatic presentation of conflicts involving serious moral issues” (Mahony 1). “Pope opens the poem with three seemingly unanswerable questions, Say what strange motive, Goddess! Could compel A well-bred lord to assault a gentle belle? Oh, say what stranger cause, yet unexplored, Could make a gentle belle reject a lord? In tasks so bold can little men engage, And in soft bosoms dwell such mighty rage?” (Moran, 1). At the end of the poem the reader finds the true meanings of the questions. First, it is realized that the Baron has an insatiable desire for Belinda to realize that there is more to life than vanity. Second, it is apparent that Belinda has an unrealistic need for affection. Last, the reader finds that in the need of the Baron wanting to bring Belinda back to reality he questions the rage that his love for her has created. Pope’s impression on how society views woman sets up the character of Belinda and describes her vain, insatiable ways. Ariel tries to warn Belinda that impending danger is near, but
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