Short Summary of Rape of the Lock Canto-II: "Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope
Pope describes the beauty of Belinda in a party near Thames where she alone is the centre of all eyes. Belinda meets everyone with a smile and her eyes "shine on all alike" like the sun while she never accepts anybody's love. She is never offensive even when refusing:
"Favours to none, to all she Smiles extends,
Oft she rejects, but never once offends."
She is so beautiful that no one can be offended by her. She is devoid of pride. And even if she had some errors: "Look on her Face, and you'll forget 'em all". She has two locks of hair which hang behind her neck. These have charming effects on the viewers and her appreciators.
An "adventrous Baron the bright Locks admir'd", he "wish'd, and to the Prize aspir'd". He was willing to do any either to "by Force to ravish, or by Fraud betray". The poet says that it is seldom asked of how one got successful, it is the success which is envied alone. Then the poet makes fun of the petty standards of bravery and courage of the upper class of his era and presents a comic scene of how that "adventurous Baron" built an altar to love with gloves and love letters. On its side, Love gave ear and "granted half his pray'r".
Then it is evening and party is on. Belinda smiles and greets all. She is not aware of the dread; this only Ariel worries. Ariel soon gathers all the militia of air to give air to him. It reminds them that their kind has been entrusted various tasks such big as to keep the sun and heavenly bodies within their spheres as well as to monitor other worldly tasks such to guard the British throne while their "humbler Province is to tend the Fair". It tells them that "This Day, black Omens threat the brightest Fair"; therefore, it appoints the duties of different spirits on various tasks:
Petticoat is entrusted "to Fifty chosen Sylphs, of special Note". It threatens the spirits that neglect of duty would mean sharp vengeance by transfixing them in pins, bodkins or capturing in vials. Soon the sylphs took charge; some on the ear pendants while other on her ringlets and powder of her face. The poet says:
"With beating Hearts the dire Event they wait,
Anxious, and trembling for the Birth of Fate."
