The Rape of the Lock

ALEXANDER POPE

Mock-Epic• Uses ordinary characters and events, but imitates the style of a true epic• Humorous, satirical•What is another mock-epic we have studied?

Cultural Connection• Read about the fashion of the times on page 492 and look at the picture on page 493

Discussion Questions1. Summarize the story in your notes

2. Highlight and label mock-epic traits in the book

3. In your notes, explain how “The Rape of the Lock” fits the description of a satire. Is it a Juvenalian satire or a Horatian satire? (Hint: try to identify whom or what Alexander Pope seems to be mocking.)

4. In your notes, write down possible themes of the story.

5. In your notes, make historical and biographical connections.