The Rape of the Lock: Vain Beauties

   The Rape of the Lock, by Alexander Pope makes it very clear how people within ones society react towards what is considered to be attractive. This is still something very much seen today! But what is of most importance to realize is that it is one thing to be aware that you are a beauty and another thing to act in such a foolish manner due to being nothing other then being vain!
   Alexander Pope places much emphasis on hair, and within one of the footnotes within this reading even states that this is present due to the fact that "Berenice, the wife of Ptolemy III, dedicated a lock of her hair to the gods to ensure her husband's safe return from war." This is clearly a great demonstration as to the level of importance which was placed on a women of beauty to be expected to have beautiful locks of hair. It's almost as if beautiful hair is a must in order to be considered a beautiful women in the first place.
   Pope also greatly emphasizes within The Rape of the Lock, the charm of women who are beautiful and how they act proper and always provide a smile and how when they turn someone down, they never do so in such a manner which would be considered to be an insult to anyone. The beauties spoken of within The Rape of the Lock, receive the exact same reaction from all men, and that is nothing less then a breath taking aw-reaction. These are the women who bring excitement and light into a room with their charm and dazzling looks!
   Sadly though, Pope does not mention that there is anything more to be offered by these women, they are simply to a great extent considered to be nothing more then trophies to men. The Rape of the Lock also mentions that women hide their flaws by presenting a pretty face which functions as a distraction which does not allow others to see the true individuals that they are. Lines 9-20 From Canto 5; however, make it clear that in reality beauty won't do anything productive for you at the end of the day. Beauty can't cure anything and just because one is considered a beauty, it does not mean that it will keep you from aging and of course with aging comes getting wrinkles! Oh no!!
   Being as these women are not seen as anything other then looks due to the distractions which they have formulated from allowing anyone to see who they are on the inside, Pope makes it clear that in order to be a women who is beautiful, but can manage to gain pleasure from reading The Rape of the Lock, the women must have a sense of humor, and be willing to admit to things how they are and not feel offended. But of course in the end "Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll;" (Canto 5, line 33).
   The lesson well taught within this reading is clearly as follows, no matter how beautiful and charming you are, you will not gain much of anything at all from it later on in life. Therefore, embrace beauty, but do not ever make it the only thing you have to offer! Overall absolutely enjoyed this reading!