ABSTRACT
The Rape of the Lock was a radical new departure for Alexander Pope. The Rape of the Lock was commissioned in that Caryll had suggested the poet write something to reconcile two Catholic families, the Arabella Fermors and Petres. Alexander Pope welcomed the suggestion, which he soon realized would give him an opportunity to make an original contribution to English poetry. It would also enable him to use talents for characterization, dramatic presentation and individual comment on the social scene which, so far, he had not employed to any extent. A woman's place was pre-ordained in the concept of there being a social hierarchy, sanctioned by both Church and State. In the Rape of the Lock Alexander Pope recognizes that a woman should marry if she has the opportunity, but regards this stage of her personal evolution with something less than enthusiasm.
