Suggestive important questions and answers for WBSSC English from 'The Rape of the Lock'.

 The Rape of the Lock

Alexander Pope

Selected Questions and Answers for WBSSC English ( H/ PG) aspirants from 'The Rape of the Lock'.

1) Write a note on the fairy machinery in Pope's "The Rape of the Lock'.

Ans:-  

The four elements of the earth, the air, earth, water and fire are inhabited by the four types of spirits, the sylphs, gnomes, nymphs and salamanders. In Pope's "The Rape of the Lock', while the sylphs are presented as the guards of young ladies, the gnomes are the wicked one. The salamanders are associated with fiery women while the nymphs are shown dwelling in water.

2) ' Know then, unnumbered spirits round thee fly,  The Light Militia of the lower sky '-  What is referred to as the 'Light Militia of the lower sky' ? Why is it so called ?

Ans:-  'The Light Militia of the lower sky' refers to the order of supernatural brings-sylphs, quomes, nymphs and salamanders. These spirits act as guardians of human beings. They keep watch on men and are imagined as ranged in military formulations during their surveillance.

3) What does the title of the poem allude to? Bring out the significance of the title.

Ans:-  The title of Pope's "The Rape of the Lock" alludes to a real incident where a young gallant Lord Petre cut off a  strand of a young lady Arabella Fermor's hair. Thus the title of the poem which refers to the outraging of Arabella is highly appropriate and mocking. The poet seems to say that it is a trivial issue which was blown out of proportions in aristocratic circles.