Pope's Poems and Prose Summary

The Rape of the Lock

Belinda, a young aristocratic woman, rises to prepare for the day’s social engagements at Hampton Court Palace, a royal residence outside of London. Ariel, her guardian Sylph, warned her in a dream that some disaster will befall her during the day and promises to protect her. Upon waking, however, she forgets his warning. After completing her toilette, she travels to Hampton Court, traveling by boat on the Thames River. She meets with a group of fashionable friends who have gathered at the palace for a day of courtly amusement. Among them is the Baron, who has resolved to steal a lock of Belinda’s hair. He even rose early that morning to pray for success. The group indulges in a discussion of the latest gossip. Then…

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