The Rape of the Lock

Drama | Alexander Pope
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How Did the Poet Finally Console Belinda?

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How did the poet finally console Belinda?

In the last part of “The Rape of the Lock” (1712), Belinda is very sad. She loses a lock of her hair. She feels insulted and ashamed. The Baron refuses to return it. She cries, begs, and fights. But the hair is lost forever. At last, the poet, Alexander Pope (1688-1712),  gives a sweet and clever idea to make her feel better.

A Fight Ends in Loss: Belinda tries hard to regain her hair. She fights with snuff and sharp words. The Baron sneezes but does not return the lock. Everyone searches for the hair. They look under chairs and tables. But the lock is truly lost. Belinda feels hopeless. She thinks her honor is gone. She wishes she never came to the party.

Poet’s Magic Idea: The poet gives a smart and lovely idea. He says the lock is not lost. It has flown to the sky.

It became a bright star. Now the lock will shine in heaven forever. Everyone will see it in the night sky. Lovers will look at it and feel love. It will never grow old or fade away. The poet says,

“This Lock, the Muse shall consecrate to Fame, 

And mid'st the Stars inscribe Belinda's Name!”

Fame Through Poetry: The poet also says something more. He says Belinda’s name will never be forgotten. This poem will keep her memory alive. People will read it and remember her beauty. She will be famous forever through this poem. Art, not beauty, lasts forever. Her small sorrow will become a big name in poetry.

Finally, Belinda feels better when she hears the poet’s words. Her lost hair becomes a star. Her sadness turns into fame. She becomes part of a poem that people will read forever. The poet uses his art to turn her pain into pride. This is how he finally consoles her heart.

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Alexander Pope
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