Sample Solution

The Rape of the Lock is a mock-heroic epic that radically redefines the concept of heroism. The traditional heroic figures like Beowulf and Sir Gawain are replaced by the Baron in Alexander Pope’s poem, who is far from a classic hero. He doesn’t possess any special physical strength or bravery – instead he is presented as an archetype for masculine vanity and selfishness. The Baron has broken into Belinda’s chambers on his own volition and taken her hair without her permission – totally disregarding any sense of chivalry or respect for women. On top of this, it is clear that the Baron does not understand fully comprehend the gravity of his action: he thinks nothing more than just pranks have been played out between him and Belinda, totally unaware of how deeply hurt she can be over having lost something so precious to her.

This presents us with a new definition of heroism; one which embraces character flaws instead of trying to uphold impossible standards which no one could ever reach in reality. The Baron may even serve as an allegory for modern society at large, where individualism reigns supreme while neglecting communal responsibilities or values such as justice and decency – whether these are defined in terms of gender roles or other aspects. When we look at it this way, Pope critiques 18th century definitions of masculinity by showing how they can lead people astray if left unchecked; only when we recognize our own follies in the light cast upon them by humorous works like this one do we come close to understanding what truly constitutes heroic behavior.