Vanity has played a part in culture forever, the way people look can determine popularity or even a potential suitor. Business and commerce has been shown to capitalize on this sense of vanity each person beholds making for a more optimized marketplace. Belinda, the protagonist in Alexander Pope’s Rape of the Lock, has completely immersed herself as well as her essence and identity in the vainness of perfect appearance whilst her sylphs continue suit. Pope’s portrayal of Belinda’s vanity is sharp allegory for commerce and consumerism in the Stuart marketplace. The importance of vanity was highly stressed and impacted the way commerce was handled, with people putting forth all efforts, whether that is time, money, or self-worth, in appearance, and it has affected every aspect of life.
