Before you begin the quiz, ensure you have a complete comprehension of the summary of The Rape of the Lock by Alexander Pope.
The Rape of The Lock MCQs
CANTO I
1. What does Pope explicitly state as the subject of his poem?
A. Mighty battles and heroic deeds.
B. Mighty contests from trivial things.
C. The history of ancient empires.
D. The love story of Belinda and Caryll.
2. To whom does Pope say the opening verse is due?
A. Belinda and Sir Plume.
B. The Muse and Milton.
C. Caryll and Belinda.
D. Homer and Virgil.
3. What specific event prompted Pope to write The Rape of the Lock?
A. A major war between two families.
B. Lord Petre cutting a lock of Arabella Fermor’s hair.
C. A dispute over church doctrine.
D. A grand royal ball.
4. What was Pope’s stated purpose for writing the poem?
A. To impress the Queen.
B. To become a famous poet.
C. To make a jest of the incident and laugh the families together again.
D. To criticize all of English society.
5. What kind of satire did Pope intend his poem to contain?
A. Political and economic satire.
B. Literary satire and moral satire.
C. Religious and philosophical satire.
D. Scientific and educational satire.
6. Dr. Johnson noted Pope’s purpose was to laugh at whose “little unguarded follies”?
A. The clergy.
B. The female sex.
C. Ambitious politicians.
D. Male fops.
7. What kind of poem is The Rape of the Lock described as?
A. A simple literary elegy.
B. A straightforward epic.
C. A tragedy.
D. A mock-heroic poem.
8. In the opening scene, what does Belinda’s lapdog, Shock, do?
A. Barks loudly.
B. Gives himself the rowzing Shake.
C. Brings her the mail.
D. Jumps on the bed.
9. What sound does Belinda’s pressed watch return?
A. A loud ticking.
B. A soft chime.
C. A silver Sound.
D. A buzzing noise.
10. What does Belinda see upon waking, if report says true?
A. Her reflection.
B. A golden crown.
C. A Billet-doux.
D. A lock of hair.
11. What is Belinda’s dressing table described as in Canto I?
A. A simple wooden table.
B. A place of chaos.
C. A shining Altar.
D. A battleground.
12. What does Belinda adore at her dressing table?
A. Her own beauty.
B. The Cosmetic Pow’rs.
C. The Bible.
D. The Baron.
13. What is the “inferior Priestess” doing at Belinda’s altar?
A. Reading prayers.
B. Offering sacrifices.
C. Beginning the sacred Rites of Pride.
D. Combing Belinda’s hair.
14. What diverse items are found together on Belinda’s toilet table?
A. Jewels and ancient scrolls.
B. Swords and shields.
C. Puffs, Powders, Patches, Bibles, Billet-doux.
D. Books and maps.
15. From what source did Pope invent his “Machinery” of spirits?
A. Greek mythology.
B. Christian theology.
C. The Rosicrucian Doctrine of Spirits.
D. Roman history.
16. What French book is mentioned as the best account of Rosicrucians?
A. Le Comte de Gabalis.
B. Les Misérables.
C. Candide.
D. Père Goriot.
17. According to the Rosicrucians, what are the four elements inhabited by?
A. Humans, animals, plants, rocks.
B. Sylphs, Gnomes, Nymphs, and Salamanders.
C. Angels, demons, saints, and devils.
D. Fire, water, earth, and air.
18. What is the primary condition for mortals to enjoy intimate familiarities with sylphs?
A. Great wealth.
B. High social status.
C. An inviolate Preservation of Chastity.
D. Deep knowledge of magic.
19. What do “Sprights of fiery Termagants” become after they expire?
A. Nymphs.
B. Gnomes.
C. Salamanders.
D. Sylphs.
20. What do “Soft yielding Minds” become after death?
A. Salamanders.
B. Gnomes.
C. Nymphs.
D. Sylphs.
21. What do “graver Prudes” become after death?
A. Salamanders.
B. Gnomes.
C. Nymphs.
D. Sylphs.
22. What do “light Coquettes” become after death?
A. Salamanders.
B. Gnomes.
C. Nymphs.
D. Sylphs.
23. What is Ariel’s “humbler Province” as a sylph?
A. To guide nations.
B. To fight epic battles.
C. To tend the Fair.
D. To explore new worlds.
24. What does Ariel warn Belinda to beware of most?
A. Lost jewels.
B. Man.
C. Falling china.
D. Bad weather.
25. What causes Ariel’s power to expire when he seeks Belinda’s thoughts?
A. An Earthly Lover lurking at her Heart.
B. A sudden storm.
C. A powerful rival.
D. Belinda’s virtue.
CANTO II
26. How is Belinda described as she launches on the Thames?
A. In simple attire.
B. The Rival of his Beams (Sun).
C. Hidden from view.
D. Lost in thought.
27. What does Belinda wear on her white breast?
A. A golden locket.
B. A single rose.
C. A sparkling Cross.
D. A miniature portrait.
28. What is said about Belinda’s eyes?
A. They are dark and mysterious.
B. They are sad and tearful.
C. They are quick and unfix’d.
D. They are closed in slumber.
29. Despite her faults, what quality is mentioned that might hide them?
A. Her wealth.
B. Her intelligence.
C. Graceful Ease, and Sweetness void of Pride.
D. Her powerful family.
30. What famous line suggests forgiveness for Belinda’s “Female Errors”?
A. “Her heart is pure, her soul is clean.”
B. “Her spirit shines, so bright and keen.”
C. “Her wisdom deep, her mind serene.”
D. “Look on her Face, and you’ll forget ‘em all.”
31. How many locks of hair does Belinda nourish?
A. One.
B. Two.
C. Three.
D. Four.
32. What does the poem claim draws “Man’s Imperial Race”?
A. Great riches.
B. Powerful armies.
C. Eloquent speeches.
D. Fair Tresses / a single Hair.
33. What is the Baron’s initial resolution regarding the locks?
A. To humbly ask for one.
B. To ignore them.
C. By Force to ravish, or by Fraud betray.
D. To admire them from afar.
34. What did the Baron build an altar of to implore propitious Heaven and Love?
A. Jewels and gold.
B. Ancient scriptures.
C. Twelve vast French Romances, neatly gilt.
D. Weapons and armor.
35. What did the “Pow’rs” grant the Baron?
A. His full prayer.
B. Half his Pray’r.
C. Nothing at all.
D. An omen of defeat.
36. How are the sylphs described in terms of their physical form?
A. Solid and strong.
B. Transparent Forms, too fine for mortal Sight.
C. Dark and shadowy.
D. Large and intimidating.
37. What are the sylphs’ “fluid Bodies” half-dissolved in?
A. Moonlight.
B. Water.
C. Light.
D. Mist.
38. Where is Ariel placed “Superior by the Head” among the sylphs?
A. On Belinda’s shoulder.
B. At the helm of the boat.
C. Amid the Circle, on the gilded Mast.
D. In the air above the ship.
39. What are some of the names Ariel calls his aerial followers?
A. Angels, Devils, Spirits.
B. Nymphs, Dryads, Naiads.
C. Fays, Fairies, Genii, Elves, and Dæmons.
D. Giants, Pixies, Goblins.
40. What is the “Province” assigned to the sylphs?
A. To guard the British Throne.
B. To tend the Fair.
C. To roll the Planets.
D. To brew tempests.
41. What trivial things do the sylphs guard for “the Fair”?
A. Their reputations.
B. Their money.
C. Powder from too rude a Gale / Essences.
D. Their secret letters.
42. What major disaster does Ariel warn Belinda might occur?
A. A shipwreck.
B. A frail China Jar receive a Flaw.
C. A political scandal.
D. A lost election.
43. Besides a “frail China Jar,” what else might Belinda “lose” according to Ariel?
A. Her mind.
B. Her voice.
C. Her Heart, or Necklace, at a Ball.
D. Her shoe.
44. Who is assigned to tend Belinda’s favorite Lock?
A. Ariel.
B. Brillante.
C. Momentilla.
D. Crispissa.
45. What is Ariel himself assigned to guard?
A. Belinda’s fan.
B. Her watch.
C. Her petticoat.
D. Shock.
46. What torture might a careless sylph suffer, being “stopt in Vials”?
A. Being turned into stone.
B. Being transfixt with Pins.
C. Being forced to sing.
D. Being exiled.
47. What liquid might disobedient sylphs be plunged into?
A. Sacred oil.
B. Pure water.
C. Lakes of bitter Washes.
D. Golden wine.
48. Where might a sylph be wedged for “whole Ages”?
A. In a gemstone.
B. In a keyhole.
C. In a Bodkin’s Eye.
D. In a spider web.
49. What might restrain a sylph’s flight and clog its silken wings?
A. Strong winds.
B. Sticky honey.
C. Gums and Pomatums.
D. Chains and locks.
50. What causes Ariel to announce “black Omens” for Belinda?
A. A premonition of death.
B. A dire Disaster, or by Force, or Slight.
C. A warning from Jove.
D. His own mistake.
CANTO III
51. What is the name of the “Majestick Frame” where the poem’s action largely takes place?
A. Windsor Castle.
B. Buckingham Palace.
C. The Tower of London.
D. Hampton Court.
52. What does Queen Anna sometimes do at Hampton Court, besides taking Counsel?
A. Play cards.
B. Take Tea.
C. Hold court.
D. Host banquets.
53. What is a common topic of “various Talk” among the Nymphs and Heroes?
A. Political debates.
B. Scientific discoveries.
C. Who gave the Ball, or paid the Visit last.
D. Philosophical arguments.
54. What happens to a “Reputation” at “ev’ ry Word” in social circles?
A. It is enhanced.
B. It is discussed.
C. It dies.
D. It is praised.
55. What two items commonly supply “each Pause of Chat”?
A. Pens and paper.
B. Books and maps.
C. Snuff, or the Fan.
D. Food and drink.
56. When does the poem state that “Wretches hang”?
A. When the King commands it.
B. That Jury-men may Dine.
C. After a long trial.
D. To make an example.
57. What game does Belinda burn to encounter two “adventrous Knights” at?
A. Chess.
B. Whist.
C. Backgammon.
D. Ombre.
58. How many “Bands” prepare in Arms to join for the game?
A. Two.
B. Three.
C. Four.
D. Five.
59. What is the number of each “Band” likened to?
A. The twelve apostles.
B. The four elements.
C. The Sacred Nine (Muses).
D. The seven deadly sins.
60. What does Ariel do once Belinda spreads her hand during the game?
A. He sighs in despair.
B. He flies away.
C. Descend, and sit on each important Card.
D. He cheers her on.
61. Which card is “Spadillio”?
A. The King of Spades.
B. The Queen of Spades.
C. The Two of Spades.
D. The Ace of Spades.
62. What is the playing surface described as during the card game?
A. A wooden board.
B. A marble table.
C. The Velvet Plain.
D. A smooth counter.
63. What is the state Belinda finds herself in when she sees her “Blood…forsook” and “livid Paleness”?
A. Joy and excitement.
B. Surprise and confusion.
C. Just in the Jaws of Ruin, and Codille.
D. Calmness and resignation.
64. What saves Belinda from immediate defeat in the card game?
A. A lucky draw.
B. An Ace of Hearts.
C. The Baron’s mistake.
D. The intervention of a Sylph.
65. What serves as the “shining Altars of Japan” for the coffee ritual?
A. Golden trays.
B. Elaborate urns.
C. Lacquered tables.
D. Ceramic stands.
66. What kind of liquor glides from “silver Spouts”?
A. Wine.
B. Water.
C. Coffee.
D. Tea.
67. What does coffee send up in “Vapours” to the Baron’s brain?
A. Sweet dreams.
B. Feelings of peace.
C. New Stratagems.
D. Visions of glory.
68. What historical/mythological figure is invoked as a warning against injuring hair?
A. Penelope.
B. Helen.
C. Cleopatra.
D. Scylla.
69. Who draws the “two-edg’d Weapon” that is given to the Baron?
A. Belinda.
B. Thalestris.
C. Ariel.
D. Clarissa.
70. What is the “little Engine” that the Baron extends on his fingers’ ends?
A. A small gun.
B. A miniature sword.
C. A pair of tongs.
D. The Forfex (scissors).
71. What happens to the “wretched Sylph” that too fondly interposes before the fatal engine closes?
A. It turns to stone.
B. It is captured.
C. It is cut in twain.
D. It flies away unharmed.
72. What “rend th’ affrighted Skies” after the lock is severed?
A. Thunder.
B. Birds chirping.
C. Screams of Horror.
D. Cheers of triumph.
73. Belinda’s screams are compared to shrieks when what happens?
A. Husbands die, or Lap-dogs breathe their last, Or rich China Vessels fall.
B. Kingdoms fall or battles are lost.
C. Children cry or lovers depart.
D. Temples burn or gods are angered.
74. What does the Baron declare is his after he cuts the lock?
A. His eternal love.
B. His new fame.
C. The glorious Prize.
D. His destiny.
75. What is mentioned as a symbol of aristocratic life that the Baron says will exist as long as his fame?
A. Opera houses.
B. Libraries.
C. A Coach and Six.
D. Scientific societies.
CANTO IV
76. What state of mind oppresses Belinda at the beginning of Canto IV?
A. Joyful anticipation.
B. Calm reflection.
C. Anxious Cares and secret Passions.
D. Boredom.
77. Which character is described as a “dusky melancholy Spright” who visits the Cave of Spleen?
A. Ariel.
B. Clarissa.
C. Umbriel.
D. Sir Plume.
78. What is the “proper Scene” of Umbriel, described as a “dismal Dome”?
A. A grand palace.
B. A secluded garden.
C. The gloomy Cave of Spleen.
D. The moon.
79. What type of wind blows in the Cave of Spleen?
A. A gentle breeze.
B. A warm south wind.
C. The dreaded East.
D. A strong north wind.
80. What two ailments are personified as sitting at Spleen’s side and head?
A. Laughter and joy.
B. Love and hate.
C. Pain and Megrim.
D. Virtue and vice.
81. Who are the two “Handmaids” waiting at Spleen’s Throne?
A. Beauty and Grace.
B. Wisdom and Folly.
C. Ill-nature and Affectation.
D. Patience and Despair.
82. What does Ill-nature hold in her bosom?
A. Precious jewels.
B. Sweet perfumes.
C. Lampoons.
D. Golden coins.
83. What ailment do “Fair-ones feel” when “each new Night-Dress gives a new Disease”?
A. Fever.
B. Laughter.
C. Maladies (Spleen).
D. Exhaustion.
84. What “Strange Phantoms” are seen rising as the mists arise in the Palace?
A. Beautiful landscapes.
B. Ancient heroes.
C. Glaring Fiends, and Snakes on rolling Spires.
D. Peaceful visions.
85. What are some of the bizarre metamorphoses caused by Spleen?
A. Humans turning into trees.
B. Animals speaking.
C. Living Teapots and Maids turn’d Bottels.
D. Flowers becoming jewels.
86. What does Umbriel carry in his hand for healing?
A. A golden staff.
B. A magical potion.
C. A Branch of healing Spleenwort.
D. A diamond.
87. What specific effect does Umbriel ask Spleen to have on Belinda?
A. To make her fall in love.
B. To make her wise.
C. To touch Belinda with Chagrin.
D. To give her happiness.
88. What is contained in the “wondrous Bag” given to Umbriel by the Goddess Spleen?
A. Gold and silver.
B. Spells and charms.
C. Sighs, Sobs, and Passions, and the War of Tongues.
D. Laughter and joy.
89. What is in the “Vial” that Umbriel fills next?
A. Sparkling water.
B. Healing balm.
C. Fainting Fears, Soft Sorrows, melting Griefs, and flowing Tears.
D. Ambrosia.
90. What happens when Umbriel “rent” the swelling bag full of Furies over Belinda and Thalestris?
A. They burst into song.
B. They found inner peace.
C. Belinda burns with more than mortal Ire.
D. They fell asleep.
91. What is the state of Belinda’s hair when Umbriel finds her sunk in Thalestris’s arms?
A. Neatly styled.
B. Braided.
C. Unbound.
D. Hidden.
92. How does Thalestris describe Belinda’s preparations for her hair?
A. Done with ease.
B. With minimal effort.
C. With “Paper-Durance bound” and “tort’ring Irons wreath’d.”
D. Naturally perfect.
93. What does Thalestris foresee Belinda becoming, losing “all your Honour in a Whisper lost”?
A. A celebrated poet.
B. A queen.
C. A degraded Toast.
D. A powerful leader.
94. What extreme predictions does Thalestris make about society if Belinda’s hair is displayed?
A. All will prosper.
B. New inventions will arise.
C. Grass in Hide-Park Circus grow, and Wits take Lodgings in the Sound of Bow.
D. Peace will reign.
95. Who does Thalestris rage to and bid demand the precious hairs?
A. The Baron’s servant.
B. Sir Plume.
C. A lawyer.
D. The Queen.
96. What is Sir Plume “justly vain” of?
A. His wit.
B. His eloquence.
C. His Amber Snuff-box.
D. His strength.
97. How does Sir Plume physically express his anger?
A. By shouting loudly.
B. By drawing a sword.
C. He spoke, and rapp’d his Box.
D. He stomped his foot.
98. What does the Baron swear by that he will “for ever wear”?
A. His family name.
B. His honor.
C. This Lock, this sacred Lock.
D. His wealth.
99. After Umbriel breaks the vial, what does Belinda appear in?
A. Triumphant joy.
B. Furious anger.
C. Beauteous Grief.
D. Silent despair.
100. What morning omens does Belinda recall regarding her misfortune?
A. A dream of a storm.
B. A falling star.
C. Patch-box fell, China shook, Poll mute, Shock unkind.
D. A broken mirror.
CANTO V
101. What is the immediate reaction of the “pitying Audience” to Belinda’s lament?
A. They laugh.
B. They cheer.
C. They melt in Tears.
D. They offer advice.
102. Whose ears had “Fate and Jove” stopped, preventing them from being moved by Belinda’s plight?
A. The Audience’s.
B. Thalestris’s.
C. The Baron’s.
D. Sir Plume’s.
103. Who enters the scene to deliver a speech promoting “good Sense” and “good Humour”?
A. Belinda.
B. Thalestris.
C. Clarissa.
D. Ariel.
104. What does Clarissa state “Charms strike,” but “Merit wins”?
A. The mind, the body.
B. The heart, the hand.
C. The Sight, the Soul.
D. The fame, the fortune.
105. What is Belinda’s reaction to Clarissa’s speech?
A. She agrees.
B. She applauds.
C. She frown’d.
D. She cries.
106. How does Thalestris react to Clarissa’s speech?
A. She praises it.
B. She ignores it.
C. She call’d her Prude.
D. She defends Clarissa.
107. What do the “Heroes’ and Heroins'” use as weapons in the climactic social battle?
A. Swords and daggers.
B. Words and wit.
C. Fans and Whalebones (petticoats).
D. Snuff-boxes and canes.
108. What two types of voices “strike the Skies” during the combat?
A. Loud and soft.
B. Angry and sad.
C. Base, and treble.
D. Male and female.
109. What is Umbriel doing while watching the “growing Combat”?
A. Leading the charge.
B. Crying in despair.
C. Clapt his glad Wings, and sate to view the Fight.
D. Trying to stop the fighting.
110. Who “dy’d in Metaphor” during the battle?
A. Sir Fopling.
B. Chloe.
C. A Beau.
D. A Witling.
111. Who “dy’d in Song” during the battle?
A. Sir Plume.
B. Thalestris.
C. A Witling.
D. Dapperwit.
112. What were Sir Fopling’s last words?
A. “I fall!”
B. “Alas, my fate!”
C. “Those Eyes are made so killing—”
D. “I die for beauty!”
113. Who revives the “Beau” with her smile?
A. Belinda.
B. Thalestris.
C. Chloe.
D. Clarissa.
114. What does Jove suspend in his “golden Scales”?
A. Love and hate.
B. Gold and silver.
C. The Men’s Wits against the Lady’s Hair.
D. War and peace.
115. What is the outcome of the weighing on Jove’s scales?
A. The Hair mounts up, the Wits subside.
B. Both balance evenly.
C. The Wits mount up, the Hairs subside.
D. Both remain suspended.
116. How does Belinda finally subdue the Baron?
A. With a powerful blow.
B. With a magic spell.
C. With one Finger and a Thumb.
D. With a piercing shriek.
117. What “wily Virgin” throws a “Charge of Snuff” at the Baron?
A. Thalestris.
B. Clarissa.
C. Belinda.
D. Chloe.
118. What is the “deadly Bodkin” that Belinda draws from her side?
A. A small knife.
B. A sewing needle.
C. A hair ornament/dagger.
D. A pen.
119. What is the Baron’s final boast, despite his fall?
A. He will seek revenge.
B. He will marry another.
C. All that I dread, is leaving you behind!
D. He will fight again.
120. What is Belinda’s repeated demand?
A. “Return my honor!”
B. “Avenge me!”
C. “Restore the Lock!”
D. “Give me peace!”
121. To what famous dramatic character’s roar is Belinda’s demand compared?
A. Hamlet.
B. Lear.
C. Othello.
D. Macbeth.
122. Where is it suggested that the lost Lock has mounted to?
A. The underworld.
B. The Baron’s chamber.
C. The Lunar Sphere.
D. A secret hiding place.
123. What are “Heroes’ Wits” kept in on the Lunar Sphere?
A. Small bottles.
B. Crystal boxes.
C. Pondrous Vases.
D. Golden chests.
124. What are “Beaus’ Wits” kept in on the Lunar Sphere?
A. Large jars.
B. Elegant cabinets.
C. Snuff-boxes and Tweezer-Cases.
D. Velvet pouches.
125. What is the ultimate fate of Belinda’s Lock, as promised by the Muse?
A. It will be returned to her head.
B. It will turn to dust.
C. The Muse shall consecrate it to Fame, and inscribe Belinda’s Name mid’st the Stars.
D. It will be forgotten.