The Rape of the Lock : Quotations
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, and various study materials of The Rape of the Lock.
Quotations
“First, rob’d in White, the Nymph intent adores
With Head uncover’d, the cosmetic Pow’rs.
A heav’nly Image in the Glass appears.”
Explanation: Belinda prepares herself before the mirror with great care, almost like a religious ritual. She worships beauty, and her own reflection appears divine to her.
“What dire Offense from am’rous Causes springs,
What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things.”
Explanation: The poet remarks how minor romantic incidents can lead to serious conflicts. It highlights the foolishness of high society.
“How vain are all these Glories, all our Pains,
Unless good Sense preserve what Beauty gains.”
Explanation: Beauty and effort are meaningless without wisdom and good sense to maintain them. Clarissa stresses the importance of inner qualities.
“The hungry judges soon the sentence sign,
And wretches hang that jurymen may dine.’
Explanation: This satirical line critiques the carelessness with which justice is administered.
“I sing—This verse to Caryl, Muse! is due:”
Explanation: The poet invokes the Muse and dedicates the poem to his friend John Caryl, who inspired him to write it.
“A watchful Sprite, and Ariel is my Name.”
Explanation: Ariel introduces himself as Belinda’s guardian sylph. He is a spirit assigned to protect her chastity and beauty.
“This Lock, the Muse shall consecrate to Fame,
And mid’st the Stars inscribe Belinda’s Name!”
Explanation: The poet says Belinda’s lock of hair will become a star in the sky. It will make her name immortal through poetry.
“Umbriel, a dusky, melancholy sprite,”
Explanation: Umbriel is introduced as a gloomy, dark spirit (a gnome) who brings sorrow and chaos to Belinda.
“Here living teapots stand, one arm held out…,
A pipkin there, like Homer’s tripod walks…”
Explanation: In a surreal and comic description, the poet imagines objects like teapots and pots coming to life. It refers to Homer’s magical world.
“There she collects the force of female lungs,
Sighs, sobs, and passions, and the war of tongues.”
Explanation: In the Cave ojust at twelve, awake:”
Explanation: At noon, hof Spleen, the Queen gathers all the emotions, complaints, and dramatic speech of women.
“Now lap-dogs give themselves the rousing shake,
And sleepless lovers, use pets stir awake, and so do sleepless lovers—this line humorously marks the lazy, luxurious lifestyle of the upper class.
“Beware of all, but most beware of Man!”
Explanation: Ariel warns Belinda that men, especially, pose the greatest danger to her chastity and honor.
“Soon as she spreads her hand, th’ aërial guard
Descend, and sit on each important card:”
Explanation: As Belinda begins to play cards, the sylphs descend invisibly and guard each card to help her win the game.
“Here files of pins extend their shining rows,
Puffs, Powders, Patches, Bibles, Billet-doux.”