The Rape of the Lock

"The Rape of the Lock" is a mock-heroic poem by Alexander Pope, published in 1712. It tells the story of a petty dispute between two noble families in 18th-century England, sparked when a young man, Baron, cuts a lock of hair from the beautiful Belinda. The poem satirizes the trivialities of high society, contrasting grand epic themes with trivial events. Using humor and wit, Pope explores themes of honor, vanity, and the foibles of the aristocracy, ultimately highlighting how small grievances can escalate into major conflicts, while also poking fun at the human condition and social norms of the time.