Research Paper On Alexander Pope

Alexander Pope and Anti-Feminism One of several English authors we read during the semester was Alexander Pope. He was born in London in 1688 and was very ill as a child. He practiced Roman Catholicism. Pope wrote during the English Augustin Era. He is best known for his heroic couplets which are bountiful in The Rape of the Lock. Alexander Pope’s works such as The Rape of the Lock are often debated on whether or not Pope was supportive of or against feminism. Although feminism would have a much different connotation then present day the principle can still be applied to further analyze his written work. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) gives the following definition for the word feminism, “Advocacy of equality of the sexes and …show more content…
Arabella Fermor. To summarize Westfall this made the poem look like Pope’s idea when in fact it was suggested by a male friend. The main idea is that Pope did not write this for Arabella. Although the dedication seems to presents otherwise. Pope writes, “It will be in vain to deny that I have some regard for this piece, since I dedicate it to You.” The truth of the matter is that he wrote it upon a request from John Caryll. Whether Arabella was even considered is highly questionable. Although someone might think this is in support for Arabella, the following quote contradicts this view, “good sense and good humour enough to laugh not only at their sex's little unguarded follies, but at their own.” Pope truly believes this entire poem and the entire situation is a laughing matter solved by good humor. He has no respect for this situation let alone the females such as Arabella who are involved. This can be shown in his continued use of the term “your sex” throughout the entire letter. Judging by the fact that Pope bases this poem on Arabella it is almost as if Pope tries to present a level of consent from Arabella. I sincerely doubt that any woman would consent to such treatment even in this time