Sketch the Character of Belinda.

Answer

Sketch the character of Belinda.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744) is a renowned poet of the 18th century. He presents Belinda as the central figure in his mock-epic poem “The Rape of the Lock” (1712). This work not only displays Pope’s poetic brilliance but also serves as a satirical lens on the superficiality and vanity of high-society circles of his time. Belinda’s character is multifaceted. She embodies both beauty and the trivial pursuits of the aristocracy.

Elegant and Beautiful: Belinda stands as the epitome of feminine beauty and elegance. Her radiant appearance is compared to the sun. She captures the admiration of everyone around her. It is evident in the following quotation.

 On her white breast a sparkling cross she wore,

Which Jews might kiss, and infidels adore.

Here, Belinda’s hypocrisy and religious hollowness have been exposed. The poet has artlessly painted the hypocrisy of the then-aristocratic women’s society through Belinda.

Obsession with Appearance: Belinda’s beauty is not just natural but carefully cultivated. Her meticulous grooming routine highlights her obsession with appearance. She sleeps till noon and wastes much time decorating herself. The following instances of alliteration and anti-climax are enough to understand the point. 

 Puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billet-doux.

This line lists the items on her dressing table. It also highlights her vanity and the importance she places on her looks.

The Hair Cutting Incident: The most significant moment in the poem is the cutting of Belinda’s hair by the Baron. This seemingly trivial act is magnified into a grand event. It also reflects the exaggerated concerns of the upper class. 

The peer now spreads the glittering forfex wide, 

T’ inclose the lock; now joins it, to divide.

Belinda’s reaction to this act is an intense outrage. It is akin to a warrior’s response to a grave injustice.

Charming Presence: Beyond her physical beauty, Belinda possesses an enchanting charm that captivates those around her. Her movements and demeanour are graceful. This  adds to her allure and the fascination she commands in social settings:

 Favours to none, to all she smiles extends; 

Oft she rejects, but never once offends.

Here, the poet gives a fair picture of Belinda while she is on a boat journey on the river Thames.

Transformation and Demand for Justice: As the poem progresses, Belinda evolves from a passive beauty to an assertive individual demanding justice. Her transformation is marked by her active participation in the battle scene and her pursuit of retribution. In the battle of sex, Belinda defeats Baron, throwing her pinch of snuff into his nostrils and demanding her hair lock. Though exaggerated, her shift from vanity to a quest for honour reflects a more profound desire to protect her reputation and social standing.

In “The Rape of the Lock,” Belinda is more than just a beautiful woman. She is a representation of the superficial values of 18th-century high society. Alexander Pope uses her character to satirize the aristocracy’s trivial concerns and exaggerated reactions, presenting a humorous yet critical view of the times. Through Belinda’s journey, Pope invites readers to reflect on the priorities and values of their own society.