Rape of the Lock

Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock raises inquiry as to whether or not the protagonist, Belinda, has free will. Some critics argue that Belinda does have liberty of choice because she is faced with a moral decision presented to her by the sylphs. Conversely, others contest that Belinda is influenced by the sylphs and therefore has limited or no say in her decisions.

No matter how exquisite the sylphan machinery, it must be recognized as demonic. In tempting Belinda to transcend the flesh and blood world by life long chasity, Ariel proffers her a satanic substitute for Christianity, complete with a doctrine of immortality, psalmody and cosmology. Ariel promises that if she is faithful to his doctrine of coquetry the sylphs will keep her “safe from the treacherous friend, the daring spark, In the glance by day, the whisper in the dark,” thus the choice (I 73-74). Since Belinda is presented with a decision, one could ascertain that Belinda does have liberty of choice. This particular instance of free will can be looked upon as a moral decision.

Moreover, the metaphoric activity of the poem constituted a the prideful image of Belinda as part of an independent world and fem

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Some common words found in the essay are:
Rape Lock, Lock Ariel, Tyde III, Canto Pope, rape lock, liberty choice, day whisper dark, rape lock raises, belinda liberty choice, individuals control ones, sexually self sufficient, day whisper, glance day, treacherous friend, daring spark, spark glance, friend daring, whisper dark, promises faithful,
Approximate Word count = 971
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)