A mock-epic or mock heroic poem is a kind of narrative poem which deals with a very trivial theme in a lofty and grand style with a view to satirizing and reformation. It is considered to be a ‘Parody of the Epic’. Alexander Pope, the representative poet of the 18th century in England, brought mock heroic poem to its highest peak of perfection in his masterpiece The Rape of the Lock. A critical analysis of the theme and manner of the poem is necessary to justify how far The Rape of the Lock is a model of mock epic.
The mock heroic quality of ‘The Rape of the Lock’ lies in the very beginning of the poem which parodies the conventional epic invocation that we find in Homer’s Iliad, Virgil’s Aenied and Milton’s Paradise Lost. The opening lines echo classical epic:
‘What dire offence from am’rous causes springs,
What mighty contests rise from trivial things,
I sing- This Verse to caryll, Muse! Is due;’
The statement of the central problem of the poem is presented in an epic manner. Belinda’s dream reminds us of the Eve’s dream in Paradise Lost. If Eve dreams of Satan’s instigation, Belinda dreams of Ariel’s advice and suggestion.
Satirical Technique :
Satire- Pope uses satire in this poem to paint a portrait of England at this time and to point out its moral flaws. The main apparent satire is of course the comparison of Belinda’s stolen lock to the abduction of Helen of Troy. By making a huge deal out of such a trivial thing, Pope is mocking his society. He believes that many of England’s faults comes from the fact that British society is too concerned with frivolities and trivialities and is very self-absorbed. If the biggest problem these people have is that a lock of hair is stolen from a girl, then they have it pretty good, and Pope uses this poem in an attempt to hold a mirror up to his own society. He wants them to see that their “woes” are not woes at all, and that they need to start worrying about more important things in life because the life that they currently lead is devoid of any meaning; the people in it exist solely to dress up and engage in petty fights.
Attitude towards Religion and Morality :
Pope employs religious imagery and language to juxtapose sacred and profane elements. For instance, the poem features references to angels and the supernatural, elevating a mundane conflict to a cosmic level. This serves to mock the characters' misplaced priorities, as their concerns about honor and social reputation overshadow any genuine moral considerations. The poem suggests a kind of moral bankruptcy, where religious values are invoked but not genuinely adhered to.
Morality in "The Rape of the Lock" is depicted as superficial and performative. The characters are more concerned with appearances and social standing than with genuine ethical principles. The satirical portrayal of the characters, particularly Belinda and the Baron, reveals how societal norms dictate behavior, often leading to morally questionable actions driven by vanity and desire. The poem critiques this superficiality, showcasing the absurdity of prioritizing such trivial matters over deeper ethical considerations.
Clarissa as the poet's voice :
In Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock," Clarissa serves as a crucial voice that embodies reason, social commentary, and moral integrity. As a character, she represents the ideals of the Enlightenment, emphasizing rationality over emotional excess.
Clarissa’s pivotal speech at the end of the poem urges the characters to recognize the absurdity of their conflict over a trivial matter—an unseemly haircut. Her words advocate for dignity and decorum, highlighting the importance of honor in a society that often prioritizes superficial concerns. Through her, Pope critiques the vanity and triviality of the aristocratic society of his time, using her voice to call for a return to reason and virtue amidst the chaos of social rivalry.
Overall, Clarissa serves as a moral compass, reminding both the characters and the readers of the deeper values that should transcend mere appearances and societal frivolities.
Conclusion :
"The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope concludes with a sense of irony and satire. After the conflict between Belinda and the Baron escalates over the theft of her lock of hair, the poem shifts to a celestial resolution. Belinda is transformed into a "sylph," highlighting the superficiality of the material concerns that drive the social drama. The poem ends with a commentary on the futility of human conflicts and the ephemeral nature of beauty and honor, suggesting that such trivial pursuits are ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of life. The final lines evoke a sense of the absurdity of social vanity, reinforcing the poem's themes of mock-heroism and the triviality of the upper class.
References :
https://elearning.smmcollege.ac.in/files/
https://sites.udel.edu/britlitwiki/the-rape-of-the-lock/
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