The Rape of the Lock: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Rape of the Lock" is a satirical poem by Alexander Pope that explores themes of vanity, honor, and social conflict through its major characters. The protagonist, Belinda, represents upper-class beauty and vanity, becoming enraged when Lord Petre, her admirer, cuts off one of her prized curls during a party. Lord Petre's act is both a flirtation and a violation, highlighting the triviality of social disputes. Ariel, Belinda's guardian spirit, embodies the protective, yet ultimately ineffective, forces trying to shield her from calamity. In contrast, Umbriel, a melancholy spirit, amplifies Belinda's emotional turmoil after the curl is taken. Thalestris, Belinda's assertive friend, stirs her anger and insists on defending her honor, while Clarissa offers a more reflective view on the vanity of women and the folly of men. Other characters, such as Sir Plume and Spleen, contribute to the commentary on social norms and gender dynamics. Overall, the poem presents a humorous yet critical examination of the values and behaviors within 18th-century aristocratic society.
The Rape of the Lock: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alexander Pope
First published: 1712
Genre: Poetry
Locale: London, England
Plot: Mock-heroic
Time: Early eighteenth century
Belinda, the poetic name of Arabella Fermor, an upper-class English girl. She is a beautiful young woman and vain of her appearance. Although she is a sweet society girl who loves her spaniel and is normally quite agreeable, she flies into a horrid rage when Lord Petre snips off one of her treasured curls.
Lord Petre, a young nobleman, one of Belinda's suitors. He admires Belinda so much that he wants one of her curls as a keepsake and snips it off at a party when she bends her head over a cup. He refuses to return the curl, and it disappears to become a star.
Ariel, Belinda's guardian spirit. He tries to warn her that something dreadful may happen and sets a guard of sylphs to protect his charge, but he is unsuccessful in preventing the loss of the lock of hair.
Umbriel, a spirit who takes over when Ariel leaves Belinda. He is a melancholy gnome who receives horrible noises, tears, sorrows, and griefs from the queen of bad tempers. He pours his magic substances over Belinda, magnifying her rage and sorrow.
Thalestris, Belinda's friend, a militant girl. She fans Belinda's rage by saying that the girl's honor is at stake in the matter of the stolen curl. She demands that Belinda's brother force Lord Petre to give up the lock.
Clarissa, one of Belinda's acquaintances, who wonders openly at the vanity of women and the foolishness of men.
Sir Plume, Belinda's brother, who considers the entire affair slightly ridiculous. Prodded by Thalestris, he demands that Lord Petre relinquish the lock, but Petre refuses.
Shock, Belinda's beloved spaniel.
Spleen, the queen of bad tempers and the source of detestable qualities in human beings. She supplies Umbriel with magic substances.
Betty, Belinda's maid.