The Rape of the Lock
Critique • Quotes
1714 edition title pageAbout the book
Author
Alexander Pope, England
First publication
1712
Form
Epic poem
Genre
Satire
Writing language
English
Length
730 lines, approx. 5,500 words
Notable lines
What dire offence from am'rous causes springs,
What mighty contests rise from trivial things,
I sing—
— First lines
Oh! If to dance all night and dress all day,
Charm'd the smallpox, or chas'd old-age away;
Who would not scorn what housewife's cares produce,
Or who would learn one earthly thing of use?
The hungry judges soon the sentence sign,
And wretches hang that jurymen may dine.
For, after all the Murders of your Eye,
When, after Millions slain, your self shall die;
When those fair Suns shall sett, as sett they must,
And all those Tresses shall be laid in Dust;
This Lock, the Muse shall consecrate to Fame,
And mid'st the Stars inscribe Belinda's Name!
— Last lines
Critique • Quotes
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