Which of the following writers’ work The Rape of the Lock is marked by the use of mock-heroism?

Correct option is C

Explanation:

The Rape of the Lock (1712, revised in 1714) is a mock-heroic poem written by Alexander Pope. It satirizes the triviality and vanity of aristocratic society by treating a minor event—the cutting of a lock of hair—as if it were an epic battle. Pope employs the elevated language and grand style of classical epics, such as Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid, to describe a petty social quarrel, thus creating humor and satire.

Information Booster:
Definition of Mock-Heroic Style – A literary form that imitates the style of epic poetry to describe trivial events in an exaggerated manner, creating satire and humor.

The poem is based on a real incident where Lord Petre cut a lock of hair from Arabella Fermor, leading to a rift between two aristocratic families. Pope humorously exaggerates this incident into a mythological battle.

Pope parodies epic poetry by including invocations to the Muse, supernatural beings (sylphs), grand speeches, and a mock battle scene.

The poem is written in iambic pentameter with rhyming couplets, a signature style of Pope’s satirical works.

The poem criticizes the superficiality and pretentiousness of 18th-century aristocracy, highlighting how minor events were treated with undue seriousness.

The Rape of the Lock established Pope as a master of satirical poetry and influenced later mock-heroic works.

Additional Knowledge:
Matthew Prior – An 18th-century poet, but his works focused more on lyrical and humorous poetry.
John Gay – Famous for The Beggar’s Opera (1728), a satirical ballad opera.
Samuel Butler – Wrote Hudibras, a mock-heroic satirical poem about the Puritans.