’The Rape of the Lock’ is a mock-epic poem by Alexander Pope, written in 1712. The poem humorously recounts the story of a trivial but scandalous event: the cutting off of a lady’s lock of hair, and its aftermath in the context of aristocratic society.
In the poem, the young lady, Belinda, is depicted as beautiful and flirtatious, admired by suitors. One day, her admirer, the Baron, sneaks into her private chamber and cuts off a lock of her hair. This act, though seemingly trivial, becomes a source of great outrage, leading to a quarrel between Belinda’s family and the Baron’s. The poem explores themes of vanity, social status, and the absurdity of aristocratic life, satirizing the exaggerated importance given to trivial matters. Pope’s use of epic conventions, such as the invocation of the muse and the supernatural elements (like the sylphs who protect Belinda), enhances the humorous tone, elevating this petty incident to the level of a heroic battle.
Through this mock-epic style, Pope critiques the priorities of his contemporary society, where personal appearance and social reputation often overshadow deeper matters of substance. The poem ends with a whimsical, unresolved conclusion, leaving the scandal to persist as a symbol of the ridiculousness of high society’s concerns.