Discuss Pope’s The Rape of Lock as a Mock Epic

Answer

Discuss Pope’s “The Rape of the Lock” as a mock-epic.

Alexander Pope’s (1688-1744) “The Rape of the Lock” (1712) is a funny poem. But it follows the style of great epics. It is called a mock-epic. A mock-epic uses big and heroic words. But the subject is very small and silly. Pope writes this poem to make fun of rich people. He uses epic style to show their foolish pride. In this poem, a young man cuts a girl’s hair. This small event is written like a great war. That is why it is a mock-epic.

Unconventional Beginning: Epic poets usually begin their poems by asking the Muse for help. The Muse is a goddess who gives them creative power to write about great heroes and gods. But in “The Rape of the Lock”, Pope starts in a different way. He does not ask a goddess. Instead, he calls on his friend John Caryll. Caryll was the person who asked Pope to write this poem. This new and funny way of beginning the poem is shown in the line:

“I sing—This verse to Caryl, Muse! is due:” 

This line shows Pope uses an unusual and humorous beginning for his mock-epic poem.

Supernatural Spirits: In real epic poems, gods help brave heroes. They guide and protect them in war. Pope also uses such supernatural help. But his gods are not real gods. He creates small air spirits called sylphs. These sylphs protect proud and pretty girls. Ariel is the leader of these spirits. He is the guardian of Belinda. He says, 

“A watchful Sprite, and Ariel is my Name.” 

In her dream, he warns Belinda that something bad may happen. But she forgets the warning. The sylphs try to save her from shame, but they are too weak and fail to stop the Baron. 

War over A Curl: Epic poetry generally deals with war and heroic deeds. However, in this poem, the poet compares the party fight to a battle. This