The Rape of the Lock

Drama | Alexander Pope
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 Comment on the Opening of “The Rape of the Lock.”

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Comment on the opening of “The Rape of the Lock.”

The poem “The Rape of the Lock” (1712) by Alexander Pope (1688-1744) begins in a funny and serious way at the same time. It uses big epic style to tell a small story. The poet mixes love and war, gods and games, beauty and pride. He starts with high language but uses it to talk about simple, silly things.

Mock Epic Style: Epic poets usually begin their poems by asking the Muse for help. But in this poem, Pope starts in a different way. He does not ask a goddess. Instead, he calls on his friend John Caryll. This new and funny way of beginning the poem is shown in the line:

“I sing—This verse to Caryl, Muse! is due:” 

This line shows Pope uses an unusual and humorous beginning for his mock-epic poem.

Dream from a Spirit

: Belinda has a strange dream. It comes from Ariel. It is her guardian sylph. Sylphs are air spirits. They protect proud and pretty girls. In the dream, a shining young man speaks. He says many spirits guard her beauty. He warns her to be careful that day. He tells her, 

“Beware of all, but most beware of Man!”

Role of the Sylphs: The Sylphs are funny and magical. They protect girls like Belinda from shame and loss of honor. Pope uses them to show how society trains girls to care more about looks than morals. These spirits are like fake gods, just like the fake values of Belinda’s world. 

In conclusion, the beginning of the poem sets the tone. It is funny, serious, and full of irony. Pope uses the epic style to show the foolishness of rich people. He also brings in magic and dreams to make it more interesting. 

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Alexander Pope
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