The Rape of the Lock

by Alexander Pope

The Rape of the Lock


At a glance:

The Poem:

At noon, when the sun is accustomed to awaken both lap dogs and lovers, Belinda is still asleep. She dreams that the sprite Ariel appears to whisper praises of her beauty in her ear. He says that he has been sent to protect her because something dreadful—what, he does not know—is about to befall her. He also warns her to beware of jealousy, pride, and, above all, men.

After Ariel vanishes, Shock, Belinda’s lapdog, thinking that his mistress has slept long enough, awakens her with the lapping of his tongue. Rousing herself, Belinda spies a letter on her...

(The entire page is 2927 words.)

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