Write Down the Significance of the Title of the Poem “The Rape of the Lock.”
The Rape of the Lock is a notable literary work by Alexander Pope. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The Rape of the Lock.
Answer
Write down the significance of the title of the poem “The Rape of the Lock.”
The significance of a literary title lies in the appropriateness of the story to the title. The satirical masterpiece “The Rape of the Lock” (1712) is one of Alexander Pope’s (1688-1744) famous poems. The poem’s title holds significant meaning and helps the reader understand the work’s mock-epic nature.
Symbolic Meaning: The term “rape” in the title is used in its older, broader sense, meaning “to seize or take by force.” In the poem, this refers to cutting a lock of hair from the main character, Belinda, without her consent. By using such a dramatic term for a relatively minor act, Pope highlights the characters’ overblown reactions. The lock of hair becomes a symbol of vanity and the superficial values of high society.
Mock-Epic Tone: The title “The Rape of the Lock” also plays a crucial role in establishing the poem’s mock-epic style. Epic poems dealt with grand themes such as heroism, war, and the struggles of gods and men. Pope creates a humorous contrast that underscores the events’ frivolity by applying the epic. An epic’s grandiose language and structure are juxtaposed with the triviality of the stolen lock of hair. Belinda says,
Oh hadst thou, Cruel! been content to seize
Hairs less in sight, or any Hairs but these!
In termination, we can say that the title “The Rape of the Lock” is significant in multiple ways. It highlights the satirical nature of the poem and draws attention to the absurdity of treating minor social incidents with undue seriousness.