The Rape of The Lock And Its Understanding of Modern-Day Feminism

Abstract

Through textual analysis that combines the literary history of epic poetry and the actual political, social and economical context of eighteenth-century London, The Rape of The Lock addresses social issues experienced by women.  Pope is sympathetic towards Belinda and the confined role of women within the male-dominant public sphere of eighteenth-century London. The poem moves from an opening mockery of coquettes to a closing seriousness assessing women’s social position. Pope’s physical challenges resonate with women’s struggle for authority in the public sphere. The Rape of The Lock functions as a parable for women, illustrating the superficiality of women empowerment through consumption/the materialization of beauty and social relations.