Female Frivolities in the Poem 'Rape of the Lock'
Female Frivolities in the Poem 'Rape of the Lock' ABSTRACT This research paper examines the concept of "Female Frivolities" in Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock", a satirical poem published in 1714. Specifically, the paper focuses on the ways in which Pope critiques the societal pressures and expectations placed upon women through his portrayal of female characters engaging in frivolous and superficial activities. Drawing on historical and cultural context, the paper situates these representations within the broader landscape of 18th-century London, where women's roles were often defined by their beauty, grace, and social standing. Through close analysis of the poem's language, symbolism, and themes, this paper argues that "Female Frivolities" serve as a commentary on the ways in which patriarchal norms and expectations have historically limited women's agency and self-expression. Additionally, the paper examines how Pope...