Question

Which of the following elements of epic poetry is appropriated by Pope and used humorously in The Ra*e of the Lock? Select all that apply.
lengthy tale
important hero
courageous action
presence of supernatural elements or forces

Answer 1

Answer:

• Lengthy tale
• Important hero
• Presence of supernatural elements or forces

Answer 2

The Ra*e of the Lock by Alexander Pope is a mock-epic, this means that is a satire or parody about common classical stereotypes of heroes and their adventures that appear in epic poems as the Illiad. In this case, the poet uses a satire on contemporary society of 18th century about the triviality of an incident in high society. It has a resemblance to the abduction on Helen of Troy but instead of a beautiful woman, it's the theft of a lock of hair.  

In contrast with epic poetry that is very serious and traditional, he uses this form of poetry to put humor about his society and what they think about themselves. First, he uses an important hero in the character of Belinda, she will fight for her lock even if the other think that is trivial. In this poem, epic battles turn into bouts of gambling and flirtation tiffs. He also uses the presence of supernatural elements or forces as sylphs in this case we see Ariel that is Belinda's guardian sylph. Also, we have the character of Umbriel the chief gnome and other sylphs as Brillante, Momentilla, and Crispissa. At the very beginning of the poem he introduces the subjects of love and war and the invocation of the muse that was very important in epic poetry as a supernatural element.

It wasn't a lengthy tale at first because Pope wrote 2 cantos in 1712. But later in 1714, he adds 3 more cantos for a total of 5. Then is a lengthy tale. And finally, there is no courageous action specifically it's more that Belinda fights for her vanity and there is no courageous action in that, is more rage and superficiality.