Literary Analysis of The Rape of the Lock Essays

Author and his times: Alexander Pope was born in London in 1688. Because he was a Roman Catholic living in a predominately Protestant society, he was largely excluded from the university system and therefore was self-taught, for the most part. At the age of twelve, he contracted tuberculosis, a disease that left him stunted and misshapen. Consequently, he suffered a great deal of emotional trauma and social anxiety. His only tool for interaction was his incredible wit and talent for writing. He soon formed a number of lifelong friendships in Londons prestigious literary circles, and found his happiness there. Pope is probably the most famous writer from the Age of Reason, and his works are the most widely studied form this time†¦show more content†¦Characters: The characters in this short poem are all intentionally made to be flat, as this would add to the satire of their elite society. They are almost too ridiculous and absurd to be believable, yet history proves tha t these people really existed. There is no clear protagonist, although Belinda is the main character. -Belinda is the incredibly superficial, typical Belle. She is young and beautiful, and adored for her looks by all who behold her. Fair Nymphs, and well-drest Youths around her shone, but evry eye was fixed on her alone.(II, 5-6) The most grave concern in her petty life is her performance in a silly card game and her social engagements. -The Baron was also a member of the elite society, and is portrayed as a fickle, foppish kind of man with too little to do. :He had implord Propitious Heavn, and evry Powr adord, but chiefly Love--to Love an altar built...(II, 35-37) in order to insure the success of his rape of Belindas lock. Immediately before this he had built a pyre sacrificing all the trophies of his former loves. This was done to show what a fickle and affected man he is. -The Machinery in the poem refers to all the nymphs, sylphs, gnomes, and other supernatural beings who aid of terrorize the characters. Sylphs are the most common. They are ageless and can assume either sex whenever they please. Their purpose is to protect the chastity of fair young Belles like Belinda. TheShow MoreRelatedAnne Finchs Opposition to The Rape of the Lock Essay examples1412 Words   |  6 PagesThe Rape of the Lock The Restoration Period (1660-1700) was a period of social, political and philosophical turmoil, which laid the foundation for future centuries. This period was marked by an advance in colonization and trade and by the birth of the Whig and Tory parties. In poetry, works of Alexander Pope and Anne Finch and a number of other poets distinguishes the Restoration. 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For the analysis of literature a knowledge of rhetorical devices is indispensable, since there is often a considerable density of rhetorical figures and tropes which are important generators and qualifiers of meaning and effect. This is particularly the case in poetry. Especially the analysis of the use of imagery is important for any kind of literary text. (For further details see Analysing a Metaphor and Symbol)