Themes: Vanity

In "The Rape of the Lock," vanity is a central theme that Alexander Pope explores through satire. The poem mocks the superficiality and trivial concerns of the 18th-century English upper class. Vanity is depicted not only through the character of Belinda but also through the societal norms and values that prioritize appearance and status over substance.

Belinda's toilet scene is a vivid portrayal of vanity. Pope draws a parallel between her...