The Playful Tone of The Rape of the Lock

What is the tone of The Rape of the Lock?

A. Pensive

B. Reproachful

C. Objective

D. Playful

Answer: Playful

The correct answer would be Playful.

The poem The Rape of the Lock by Alexander Pope has a playful tone throughout. The author introduces the poem by mentioning that it is dedicated to Arabella Fermor and should not be taken seriously. Pope uses this playful tone to entertain readers, particularly "sensible girls with a good sense of humor," through satire.

The poem is divided into five cantos, each exploring themes of beauty, love, and vanity. In the first canto, the protective sylph Ariel guards the beautiful Belinda's dreams, emphasizing her chastity and purity. The second canto describes Belinda's beauty and the attack on her locks by Baron. The playful and exaggerated descriptions highlight the satire on beauty standards and vanity.

In the subsequent cantos, the narrative unfolds with humor and wit, as supernatural spirits get involved in the drama surrounding Belinda's stolen lock. The gnomes and sylphs engage in playful mischief and antics, adding to the light-hearted tone of the poem.

Ultimately, through the battle of the sexes and the exaggerated reactions to the loss of a lock of hair, Pope satirizes societal norms and values with a playful and humorous approach. The poem's tone remains consistently light-hearted, making it a classic example of playful satire in literature.