Supernatural Elements in “The Rape of the Lock.”

Answer

Comment on Pope’s treatment of supernatural elements in “The Rape of the Lock.” Or Comment on the supernatural machinery in “The Rape of the Lock.” Or, Comment on the use of supernatural machinery in “The Rape of the Lock.”

Supernatural Element means something beyond what science can see and test. Alexander Pope (1688-1744) is a master of satire and poetry. He uses supernatural elements in his mock-epic poem “The Rape of the Lock” (1712) to enhance the fantastical and satirical tone of the story. These elements both elevate the trivial incident of the stolen lock of hair to a mythical level and critique the aristocracy’s superficiality.

Introduction of Sylphs and Ariel: At the beginning of the poem, Pope introduces the sylphs. These ethereal beings protect the virtue and beauty of women. Ariel is the chief sylph assigned to Belinda. He foretells the disaster that will befall her. This introduction sets a mystical tone. The chief Sylph Ariel says, 

Of these am I, who thy Protection claim, 

A watchful Sprite, and Ariel is my Name.

These supernatural creatures help women like Belinda to look perfect and behave gracefully. They don’t protect women from serious problems but focus on small things. 

The Other Three: The supernatural machinery is influential in the poem. There are four spirits: Salamanders, Nymphs, Gnomes, and Sylphs. Salamanders refer to the quarrelsome women’s souls pass in the fire. Those of tender and gentle ladies pass into the water and are called Nymphs. Those of graver grades pass into the earth and are called Gnomes. And the souls of the light-minded coquettes that pass into the air are called Sylphs. These spirits can assume any sex at their pleasure. 

Supernatural Intervention in the Climax: The poem’s climax is when the Baron cuts a lock of Belinda’s hair. It is infused with supernatural intervention and heightens the mock-heroic tone. The Sylphs attempt to prevent the crime but fail, illustrating the futility of their efforts against human folly. Pope writes, 

Just in that instant, anxious Ariel sought …., 

He watch’d th’ Ideas rising in her mind

Despite their vigilance, supernatural beings cannot alter the course of events, further satirizing the characters’ misplaced priorities and inevitable vanities.

Sylphs’ Involvement in the Plot: The Sylphs are actively involved in the unfolding events throughout the poem. They try to protect Belinda but are ultimately powerless against the Baron’s actions. This impotence of the supernatural elements highlights Pope’s satirical view of their ineffectiveness. The sylphs’ failure to prevent the lock’s theft adds a layer of irony. This also illustrates the contrast between their lofty role and the trivial nature of the incident.

The Apotheosis of the Lock: In a grandiose and humorous conclusion, Pope has the stolen lock of hair ascend to the heavens, becoming a constellation. This supernatural ending serves to both mock the characters’ concern over the lock and elevate the poem’s satirical critique to cosmic proportions. The final transformation of the lock into a star is depicted with whimsical reverence: 

A sudden Star, it shot thro’ liquid Air, 

And drew behind a radiant Trail of Hair.

This apotheosis reinforces the triviality of the incident while parodying classical epic traditions.

In conclusion, through the use of supernatural elements, Alexander Pope masterfully elevates the trivial incident of the stolen lock of hair to the realm of myth and legend. This blending of the mundane with the mystical not only enhances the poem’s satirical edge but also underscores Pope’s commentary on the superficial values of the aristocracy.