The Rape of the Lock
... The very first character we meet is Belinda, a young, beautiful socialite. She is asleep. While sleeping her guardian Sylph, Ariel, sends a warning to her in a dream. This warning is, “ beware of Man.” (Pope, 294) At noon, her lapdog and a love letter awaken Belinda. -2- After reading the love letter, she forgets all about her dream. She then prepares herself for the day, in an almost ritualistic manner. (Pope 294-295) She then sets out for a day of socializing and card games at Hampton Court Palace. While traveling by boat to the palace we catch a glimpse of Belinda’s social graces in Cantos II, lines 7-12: On her white breast a sparkling cross she wore, Which Jews might kiss, and infidels adore. Her lively looks a sprightly mind disclose, Quick as her eyes, and as unfixed as those: Favors to none, to all she smiles extends; Oft she reject, but never once offends. (Pope 295) While at the palace, Belinda has no idea that the Baron, with whom she plays cards is planning to cut off her most beautiful lock of hair. This is where Clarissa comes in. Clarissa is a member of the social circle and obliviously is enamored by the Baron. She supplies the Baron with a pair of scissors to do the deed. After three tries the lock is his. The Baron boasts while Belinda screams with horror. The screams are so dramatic that Pope wrote, “ Not louder shrieks to pitying heaven are cast, When husbands, or lapdogs breathe their last;” (Pope 301) So, what can we learn about women from these examples? First let’s understand that because of Pope’s point of view, he probably saw things more objectively as far as relationships go. Because he was not the object of desire for most women, I imagine, He was able to observe -3- women in a very real way. With that being said, let’s have a good look at Belinda. She is a young woman that sleeps until noon. She throws a valuable warning aside after receiving a love letter. Her daily dressing is likened to a ritual. In dealing with other people, she appears to be cordial, chaste, and agreeable. But, when someone “damages” her appearance she falls to pieces. By these examples it would be fair to say that women are lazy, whimsical, va...