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

In this video, we'll take a closer look at Alexander Pope's "The Rape of The Lock" and how it serves as a reflection of the aristocratic society in 18th-century England. From satire to social commentary, this epic poem offers a unique perspective on the values, customs, and attitudes of the upper class during this time period. Dive into the world of The Rape of The Lock and gain a deeper understanding of the society it represents. “Rape of the Lock” was just a reconciliation note between the two parties even then it is a mirror to the eighteenth-century aristocratic society. Subsequently, the poet rectified it and a small poem was converted into a mock epic. Many elements of an epic poem were added to it, due to which it has become a masterpiece. However, only the availability of mock epic elements in this poem is not enough to make it wonderful among other poems of that era. “The Rape of the Lock”, although has universal appeal yet its beauty, lies within the description of contemporary English society of the eighteenth century. The poem has some limitations; it is somehow historical. It reflects the life of 18th-century aristocratic society. Every person, portrayed in the poem, is aristocratic and belongs to either the class of lords or merchants; therefore, he is free from financial tensions. In the world, financial problem is the very first problem of every person. If a person is financially stable then he just wastes his time on useless activities. This is the case with the eighteenth-century London society. With the easy flow of money, they have no other work but to enjoy every small and large gathering in their city. “The Rape of The Lock” is a mirror of the Aristocratic society of the Eighteenth Century: Alexander Pope demonstrated this very fact in his poem “The Rape of the Lock”. Every single word of this poem sketches the customs of the eighteenth century. Thus, many critics have regarded it as a mirror to the Eighteenth Century Aristocratic Society of England. Primarily, this poem is a mock epic but its subject is the routine life of people like Lord Petre and Belinda. It was the time when people have an easy flow of money, due to which they used to live a luxurious life. Even government officials used to waste their time on unworkable activities. They have nothing to do except backbiting, playing cards, gossiping, and having sex. Thus, from the poem, it can be established that society was morally corrupt. Read more at: https://askliterature.com/poetry/the-...