Social Satire In The Rape Of The Lock

Social commentary is the act of using rhetorical means to provide commentary on social issues in a society. This is often done with the idea of promoting change by informing the people about a given problem. Satire is a social attack on follies of individual The “Rape of the Lock’’ is the best example of a satirical social commentary. Because through this mock-epic he tries to expose follies, hypocrisy, shallowness and absurdities of high society. He realistically paints about England of 18th century. mock-epic the “Rape of the Lock’’ truly shows his genius for satirical poetry. He satirizes young girls and boys of high class and their free time activities.Through Belinda he satirizes the fashionable women of high class and through Baron he satirizes the aristocratic gentleman of that age. He takes the

Pope ridicules women excessive attention to self decoration. Belinda is the heroine of the poem. Her whole world is confined to sleeping,make-up and enjoyment. She has nothing to do except alluring the lords. She is the representative of all the fashion women of her age. She does not focus on her spiritual beauty but she only refines herself physically. Puffs, Powders, Patches, Bibles, Billet-doux. Now awful Beauty puts on all its Arms;

Belinda is described as commencing her toilet operations with prayer to the “cosmetic powers”.puffs, powders, patches,bibles, billet doux” lie on her dressing table. Bible is placed among cosmetic things which is a subject of great satire because it shows that bible is as important to her as these worldly things. Both are of equal importance for her. Pope satirizes that huge importance is given to these things as if they are of some religious importance.

And now,unveil’d, the toilet stands displayed Each Silver Vase in mystic Order