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Worksheetsfrom The Rape of the Lock
Total questions: 17
Worksheet time: 9mins
Which of these phrases best describes Pope's purpose in using satire in the poem?
To reveal corruption among the upper class
To point out the incompetence of the card players
To mock a dispute between two families
To express outrage at the actions of his peers
How do these lines contribute to the poem's satire? Hither the heroes and the nymphs resort, To taste awhile the pleasures of a court; In various talk the instructive hours they passed, Who gave the ball, or paid the visit last;
They ridicule society by comparing frivolous characters to mythical beings.
They elevate the characters by revealing their difficult responsibilities at court.
They mock the characters by noting how much time they spend on instruction.
They expose how social events are corrupting the nation's heroes and their wives.
What do these lines tell the reader about the people they describe? A third interprets motions, looks, and eyes; At every word a reputation dies.
They are well traveled.
They are terrible gossips.
They are art lovers.
They are morally respectable.
How do the author's diction and syntax contribute to the effectiveness of these lines? He takes the gift with reverence, and extends The little engine on his fingers' ends; This just behind Belinda's neck he spread, As o'er the fragrant steams she bends her head.
They reveal how cleverly the baron tries to drink Belinda's coffee as she looks away.
They emphasize how gently the baron touches Belinda's neck as she bends over her cards.
They purposely misinterpret how the baron holds out a card to Belinda as she wins the current hand.
They purposely exaggerate how the baron reaches out with the scissors as Belinda begins to drink her coffee.
What effect does the poet's comparison of Belinda to Shakespeare's Othello have? "Restore the Lock!" she cries; and all around "Restore the Lock!" the vaulted roofs rebound. Not fierce Othello in so loud a strain Roared for the handkerchief that caused his pain.
It stresses the love Belinda has for the baron.
It shows how the company supports Belinda rather than the baron.
It emphasizes the horror and distress Belinda feels.
It reveals that Belinda has read and understood the play.
Which of these lines from the poem best illustrate the mock epic form?
This just behind Belinda's neck he spread, As o'er the fragrant steams she bends her head. (lines 87-88)
Then cease, bright nymph! to mourn thy ravished hair, Which adds new glory to the shining sphere! (lines 189-190)
In various talk the instructive hours they passed, Who gave the ball, or paid the visit last; (lines 11-12)
Snuff or the fan, supply each pause of chat, With singing, laughing, ogling, and all that (lines 17-18)
Which two excerpts from the poem support its satirical tone?
Here thou, great Anna! whom three realms obey, Dost sometimes counsel take-and sometimes tea. (lines 7-8)
Some o'er her lap their careful plumes displayed, Trembling, and conscious of the rich brocade. (lines 69-70)
Not louder shrieks to pitying heaven are cast, When husbands, or when lapdogs breathe their last; (lines 111-112)
Heroes' and heroines' shouts confusedly rise, And bass and treble voices strike the skies. (lines 137-138)
Then in a bodkin graced her mother's hairs, Which long she wore, and now Belinda wears. (lines 161-162)
Why might the poet have chosen to write "The Rape of the Lock" in heroic couplets?
They employ a formal structure that heightens the absurdity of the subject matter.
They use an outdated meter to show the link between his work and that of earlier poets.
They create a lyrical quality that suggests the poem is meant to be sung.
They utilize a pattern of stressed syllables to reflect the drama of the events.
