Some Thoughts on The Rape of the Lock - Caroline Tucker

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The Rape of the Lock was very interesting to read. I really liked reading the notes at the end for each chapter. It brought a new and better understanding of the story.
It was very intriguing that the works Pope translated both inspired parts of and were featured in the poem.  A notable work he did not translate that was mentioned in his poems was Paradise Lost by John Milton. 

After reading chapters 1-3 I reread the first lines. Pope wrote, “What dire offence from amorous causes springs, / What mighty contests rise from trivial things.” I always find it interesting how the first line or first page of a book basically tells you the end or the theme of the story. The first line or first page is normally glossed over and forgotten but when done reading and looked at again it resonates. It is given a new meaning in our eyes.

I enjoyed The Rape of the Lock. I am excited to continue reading it and the discussion in class. I cannot wait to see where the story goes.

I commented on Josh’s and Sydney’s posts. 

Comments

Rebecca Belew said…
I did not really understand the reading very well and your bright idea to read the notes was really a "duh" moment for me. I really enjoyed your commentary and use of quotation from the poem to really relate to your material!
November 10, 2019 at 2:23 PM
Madison Flowers said…
Caroline! You are so right about the first line or page of a story explaining the theme or hinting at the end of the story. I always try to pay close attention to the beginning to see if I can catch any hints or clues as to where the story might go.
November 11, 2019 at 4:00 PM
Joshua Evers said…
That's a very good point. Many older works and titles give away so much that we may be guilty of overlooking. After reading the Cantos, especially about the Baron in Cantos II, it is clear that there is clearly an obsession over such trivial matters. Great point!
November 11, 2019 at 5:44 PM
Moriah Nelson said…
Oh you are so right on the importance of the first few lines...Pope did a great job with his "hook". I think the intentionality in the whole work shows how beautifully artistic the writing style of many poets was in Pope's time. Definitely something to admire and be inspired by.
November 11, 2019 at 8:35 PM
Luke Killam said…
Pope had a great thesis statement for sure. In those two lines he told us the whole satire. All the tea. Every single drop of it. Those lines really stood out to me as well as I first started to read. He chose the most opportune moments to be straightforward, and there was his best move
November 11, 2019 at 8:50 PM
Clabo said…
That really is so true. That basically sums up what has been going on in these sections. That's just another reason why I think that this passage is so much like an epic poem. In both of them, you don't really understand how everything is going to work out until you come to the end and you can see how everything worked together to lead up into that point.
November 11, 2019 at 9:27 PM
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