The Rape of The Lock as a Mirror to the Eighteenth Century Aristocratic Society

Brief Summary

"The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope is more than just a mock epic; it's a reflection of 18th-century aristocratic English society. The poem captures the superficiality, moral corruption, and obsession with material wealth that characterized the lives of the upper class during this era. While the poem may have been intended as a lighthearted reconciliation note, it unintentionally serves as a historical document, revealing the attitudes and behaviors of the young generation, government officials, and merchants of the time.

• The poem reflects the life of 18th-century aristocratic society, portraying a world of lords and merchants free from financial tensions.
• It highlights the moral corruption of society, where people waste time on activities like backbiting, playing cards, gossiping, and sex.
• The poem emphasizes the importance of material things over true love and meaningful purpose, with people valuing physical beauty and artificiality.

Introduction

Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock" serves as a mirror to the 18th-century aristocratic society, despite initially being intended as a reconciliation note. The poem, later expanded into a mock epic, incorporates elements of epic poetry, solidifying its status as a masterpiece. Its significance lies not only in its mock epic elements but also in its portrayal of contemporary English society. While possessing universal appeal, the poem's true beauty resides in its depiction of the 18th-century aristocratic society, despite its limitations and historical context.

Satire vs. Reality

Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock" is viewed by some as a satire of the society of his time, while others argue that it is simply a portrayal of reality. Although the poem is a satirical masterpiece, it is argued that Pope's primary focus was not on satire but on demonstrating the lifestyle of his contemporaries. The poem presents the reality of the era through the attitudes of young women like Belinda, an aristocratic lady who spends hours on her appearance, highlighting the society's focus on physical beauty and the superficiality of relationships.

Importance of Material Things

In the aristocratic society depicted in "The Rape of the Lock," material things held great importance, often surpassing the value of love and meaningful pursuits. Lovers were as disposable as clothes, and even a lap dog was considered more valuable than a lover. Everything, from women's beauty to love, was artificial, and there was a lack of meaningful purpose in their lives. Chastity was not taken seriously, and material possessions were prioritized over important matters, with activities like sex and games being the main focus. Even church attendance was sacrificed for social events, highlighting the superficiality of their values.

The Attitude of Officials

Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock" also sheds light on the attitude of officials in 18th-century society, who were not dedicated to their duties. Instead of being loyal to their work, they made hasty decisions to prioritize their own enjoyment, such as attending social gatherings. This behavior was common among other members of society, including merchants who sought wealth through any means. The poem paints a detailed picture of a century marked by a lack of morality, with young individuals like Lord Petta and Belinda embodying the pursuit of luxury as their sole purpose in life.

Conclusion

"The Rape of the Lock" provides a comprehensive depiction of the aristocratic society of the 18th century. Beyond being a mock epic, it serves as a historical poem, revealing the attitudes of the young generation and the government officials of the time. The easy flow of money contributed to the carefree lifestyle of many individuals. While the poem's primary intention may differ, its secondary purpose lies in portraying London life, making it a mirror to the 18th-century aristocratic society and highlighting the eccentricities of the aristocratic class.