Comment on Pope’s use of mock-heroic elements in ‘The Rape of the Lock’.

Comment on Pope’s use of mock-heroic elements in ‘The Rape of the Lock’.

Heroic or epic poems are poems like Odyssey, the Aeneid and Paradise Lost, that deals with man's exalted aspects. Their action is powerful, their parsonages are dignified and their style is elevated. Following the traditions and devices of a serious epic, mock epic deals with situations and personage in a serious manner and style, but these situations and personage are trivial and petty. In the result, it produces humorous effect.

“The Rape of the Lock'' is a mock-heroic epic poem, both in its matter and spirit. The intention is to reject the artificiality and hollowness of the Pop's age. Pope had intelligently used the formula and elevated style of epic poetry but has employed it to something very trivial. The petty and ridiculous cutting of a lock of hair, has been given an epic treatment. In the result, the little is made great and great little. Ultimately, the poem falls in the category of mock-epics.

However, it is important to note that “The Rape of the Lock'' is a very complex mock epic. It is not limited only to comparison and parody; rather it has instructive purpose too. Mock- heroic effect is achieved at three levels; action, convention  and style...............................

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