from The Rape of the Lock

What was Alexander Pope’s most likely purpose for writing The Rape of the

Lock?

• to parody the spoiled upper classes

• to show Belinda as a shallow person

• to expose the absurdity of the card game called omber

• to speak out against the rich and their treatment of the poor

Which of the following describes the idea that most clearly shapes The Rape of

the Lock?

• the innocence of the very young

• the watchfulness of the angels

• the tragedy of romantic love

• the pettiness of the nobility

In the selection from The Rape of the Lock, what “glorious prize” does the

baron obtain?

• the money he has wagered and won in a game of omber

• a bit of hair he has snipped from Belinda’s head

• Belinda’s agreement to marry him

• a wreath of triumph

In the selection from The Rape of the Lock, what ultimately happens to the

lock? Choose two options.

• It is given a hero’s burial.

• The baron is forced to return it.

• It is searched for but not found.

• A Muse takes it for safekeeping.

• It becomes a shining object in the night sky.

Read the following lines from The Rape of the Lock.

Th' embroidered king who shows but half his face, And his refulgent queen, with powers combined Of broken troops an easy conquest find. Clubs, diamonds, hearts, in wild disorder seen, With throngs promiscuous strew the level green. Thus when dispersed a routed army runs....

In these lines, what is the most likely meaning of routed? Base your answer on context.

• viewed from a great distance

• enlarged by many participants

• caused to take flight by defeat

• weakened by lack of proximity

Use context clues in these lines from The Rape of the Lock to determine the

most likely meaning of forsook.

At this, the blood the virgin’s cheek forsook,

A livid paleness spreads o’er all her look....

• burned

• flooded

• left entirely

• caused to blush

What does the context suggest is the most likely meaning of desist in this

sentence from The Rape of the Lock?

Ah cease, rash youth! desist ere ’tis too late,

Fear the just gods, and think of Scylla’s fate!

• gather courage

• use caution

• panic

• stop

In the selection from The Rape of the Lock, what “weapon” does Clarissa give the baron to use in his efforts against Belinda?

• a spear

• a sword

• a pair of scissors

• a double-edged razor

Read the following passage from The Rape of the Lock.

Just where the breath of life his nostrils drew,

A charge of snuff the wily virgin threw;

The gnomes direct, to every atom just,

The pungent grains of titillating dust.

Sudden with starting tears each eye o’erflows,

And the high dome re-echoes to his nose.

Which of the following best describes the overall feeling that is conveyed in

passages such as this in The Rape of the Lock?

• angrily satiric

• sorrowfully pitying

• bitterly disappointed

• affectionately mocking