Introduction
The Rape of the Lock, penned by the prolific Alexander Pope, is an exquisite satirical piece that employs a dedicatory letter as a strategic literary tool, serving both social and literary functions. The dedicatory letter to Arabella Fermor, the inspiration behind Pope’s Belinda, serves as an open forum for the author to justify his satirical piece while also offering an apology for the trivialization of a scandalous event in the society of that time.
This paper delves into the manifold functions of the dedicatory letter, demonstrating how it sets the stage for Pope’s satire. Alexander Pope uses the dedicatory letter in “The Rape of the Lock” as a literary device to set the tone and goals of the piece, get readers ready for the humor and satire that will follow, and give the characters a human face while criticizing the petty quarrels and vanity of the upper class.
Functions of Dedicatory Letter
Setting Tone and Revealing Message
The dedicatory letter, as the first introduction to the poem, serves as a literary device to establish the tone and purpose of the work. Pope makes it clear from the outset that he intends to mock the trivial fuss over the lock of hair, stating, “What mighty contests rise from trivial things” (Pope). This letter puts the readers in a receptive state of mind, preparing them for the forthcoming humor and satire. It also helps soften the satire’s blow, as Pope assures that his intent is not to insult or harm but to entertain and perhaps educate.
The poem commences with a citation from Martial’s Epigrams, which unveils Pope’s hesitance to write about Belinda’s locks of hair yet simultaneously exposes his captivation with the subject matter. Pope then questions the motivations behind the “heinous offense” that arises from the seemingly trivial act of severing a strand of hair (Pope). He poses the inquiry of why a well-born lord would assault a delicate belle and why a delicate belle would reject a lord. These inquiries highlight the situation’s absurdity and set the stage for the satirical treatment of the characters and their actions.
The poem then transitions to a scene in which Belinda is roused from her slumber by her faithful companion, Shock, and discovers a love letter (Pope). This occurrence marks the inception of Belinda’s preparations for the day, which are meticulously described. The emphasis on her beauty rituals and the extravagant assortment of cosmetics and accessories she employs serves to mock the shallowness and vanity of the upper class. The Sylphs, introduced as unseen spirits that watch over Belinda, play a pivotal role in the poem by guiding her through her daily routine and shielding her from harm. Pope employs the Sylphs as a metaphor for the hidden forces that mold human behavior, particularly in social interactions and courtship.
Exploring Social Issues and Humanizing Author Views
The dedicatory letter also serves a significant social function by addressing the societal uproar from real-life events. The incident of Lord Petre cutting off a lock of Arabella Fermor’s hair had caused a scandal and tension between the two families involved. Pope uses his dedicatory letter to extend an olive branch, hoping his poem will “laugh them together again” (Pope). The letter becomes a medium for the Pope to engage with his society, attempting to diffuse a socially tense situation through humor.
Moreover, the letter helps to humanize Pope’s satirical portrayal of Fermor as Belinda, cushioning any personal affront she might feel. Pope’s flattering description of Fermor as a woman of “excellent sense” (Pope) who can appreciate his wit softens any potential offense. By emphasizing Fermor’s ability to understand and appreciate his satirical intentions, Pope implies that his work should be seen as lighthearted entertainment rather than a personal attack. This further humanizes his portrayal of Fermor and deflects any potential animosity that she may have toward him.
The letter further serves as a platform for the Pope to express his perception of his society’s trivial disputes. He criticizes the vanity of the upper class, their inflated self-importance, and their petty quarrels. Yet, he does so with a light touch, ensuring his critique is more amusing than accusatory. The poem shows Sylph Ariel cautioning Belinda to be wary of all but mainly cautious of men (Pope). This warning serves as a reminder of the potential perils and pitfalls of love and romance and adds a moral aspect to the poem’s satire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dedicatory letter in The Rape of the Lock serves several essential functions. The dedicatory letter and the opening lines of the poem establish the stage for the comical and satirical tone of “The Rape of the Lock” while also introducing central themes and characters that will be developed throughout the rest of the work. It prepares the reader for the satirical content of the poem, helps diffuse a real-life scandal, and offers an apology to the real-life Belinda. It also allows the Pope to comment on society’s follies while maintaining a mirth tone rather than condemnation. The dedicatory letter, therefore, is not merely a polite introduction to the piece but a strategic literary tool that lays the groundwork for Pope’s masterful satire.
Work Cited
Pope, Alexander. The Rape of the Lock and Other Poems. Project Gutenberg, 2011.