The Rape of the Lock is probably one of the serious poem that aimed to mock the society in the eyes and perception of the author. It is filled with contradictory and seemingly important issues that the society has forgotten or has disregarded for a long period of time. For example, the phrase awful beauty has been used by the author in the description of the society under the portrayal of Belinda. Beauty made Belinda to go on a battle equipped and ready. It means that beauty has become the empowerment of every woman in the society. But then again, it has become something that is being worshiped not just by men but by women too (Hunt, 1968). Beauty has become the worth of many people. The problem with it is the fact that values have become disregarded. Beauty has become priceless as it drove people away from what is really honorable and morally accepted. In one of the scenes in the poem, the Baron had become intent to win Belinda but not on the proper mode of courtship but rather by claiming her honor. The disrespectful Baron has gotten all the way out to claiming a prize of beauty even if it means doing something that is considerably “negative” and outside of morality (Johnson, 1971).
This is the Rape of the Lock. It is about the negative perception of beauty. There is nothing wrong with the beauty itself. However, the society, especially the upper class, must understand that beauty fades but virtues stay. If there is one thing that should be regarded high that would be virtue. In the strive for something better, greater, and more beautiful, the values must be kept and held even higher. For it is only then that beauty can shine at its best and for it is then that beauty can be more appreciated.