Response to the Rape of Lock

Tatrina McClelland

Professor Gibson

English 2532, Section 1

9 December 2008

Alexander Pope: “The Rape of the Lock”

Looking at the title of this poem, I would have never thought it was referring to hair. This is a funny story. Silly actions can cause so much trouble. It shows that not only common people have petty disputes, but the upper class people get into insignificant arguments as well.

While reading about Belinda and her “beauty” I get a sense of her vanity. She probably felt like she was flawless. Belinda’s description reminds me of an arrogant rich woman who would walk around with her nose in the air and do exactly as she did, ignore warnings or threats to her safety.

The Baron reminds me of a fifth grade boy who secretly liked girls but could not let the other boys know. The Baron would rather embarrass Belinda than be exposed. Clarissa may have wanted to be Belinda, assisting out of jealousy.

Thalestris, reminds me of my own best friend. She was ready to come to Belinda’s rescue. She even went a step further and involved her boyfriend who in my opinion did not even care about the lock or any of it. Sir Plume obviously wanted to stay in good graces with Thalestris. His initial attempt to get the Baron to return the lock was weak.

All the protection Belinda with the nymphs and the warnings given to her by Ariel in the beginning reminds me of how God will warn us through his word what will happen if we disobey. Belinda acted just as we do today. Ignore the warnings of God and chose to pursue our own lust. Belinda was so caught up with the Baron that she did not even see the scissors coming.