Comparison of Pope and Swift Essay - 1676 Words

Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift in their respective poems, The Rape of the Lock and The Progress of Beauty, offer opposite representations of the nature and function of cosmetics in eighteenth century society. In The Rape of the Lock, Pope gives a positive representation of cosmetic’s nature and function in eighteenth century society. On the other hand, Swift’s representation takes a very negative tone. Both poets clearly appreciate and admire the natural beauty of a woman and their opposite opinions and therefore representation of the nature and function of cosmetics, springs from this admiration. Pope, whilst slightly ridiculing cosmetics through his use of satire, represents cosmetics in a positive light through portraying it as†¦show more content†¦Swift opposes this representation, rather representing the nature of cosmetics as negative in The Progress of Beauty. As opposed to Pope’s representation of the function of cosmetics as an enhancer of na tural beauty, Swift represents the function of cosmetics as being a destroyer of natural beauty. A number of times in The Progress of Beauty, Swift alludes to the destructive power of cosmetics due to its poisonous elements. Swift writes that Venus â€Å"taught [women] where to find White lead and Lusitanian dish.† (Line 60) Swift represents these cosmetics as causing women to waste away; â€Å"So rotting Celia strolls the street.† (Line 103) All of Pope’s descriptions of cosmetics as applied to Celia’s face in the poem, are ones of hideousness and disgustingness. The make-up causes her lips to be cracked and her eyes to be gummy. (Line 15) She becomes a â€Å"mingled mass of dirt and sweat.† (Line 20) There is nothing appealing or attractive in the use of cosmetics as Swift represents it. Rather Swift represents the nature and function of cosmetics as a disgusting thing that destructs the beauty of women. Cosmetics are not represented by Swift sim ply as a temporary destruction of beauty, but also as having the function of permanently destructing beauty, of doing irreparable damage because of its poisonous elements. The nature of cosmetics as represented by Swift is negative, and its function is represented only as one of destruction. Pope’s representation of the nature and functionShow MoreRelatedEssay on Comparison of Pope and Swift1712 Words   |  7 PagesAlexander Pope and Jonathan Swift in their respective poems, The Rape of the Lock and The Progress of Beauty, offer opposite representations of the nature and function of cosmetics in eighteenth century society. In The Rape of the Lock, Pope gives a positive representation of cosmetics nature and function in eighteenth century society. On the other hand, Swifts representation takes a very negative tone. 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Pope’s Rape of the Lock exposes the materialism used in objectifying women, mainly in the upper-class societal levels. The plot of the story centers a materialistic goal, as the lock of hair thatRead MoreHidden Messages of the Dressing Room Satires on Jonathan Swift and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu1638 Words   |  7 PagesLiz Jansen From Dryden to Blake British English 10-01-2013 1415 words Hidden Messages of the Dressing Room Satires On Jonathan Swift and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu Jonathan Swift is one of the most famous poets from the eighteenth century. He has written many satires including â€Å"The Lady’s Dressing Room†. This poem is about a man named Strephon and a woman named Celia. In the poem, Celia tries to make herself presentable to society while Strephon sneaks in her dressing room and there discoversRead MoreMaterialism In Alexander Pope And Popes Rape Of The Lock1322 Words   |  6 PagesThe views of women have altered over time, but have always had objectifying tendencies. During the 18th century, cosmetic alteration to natural beauty peaked and materialism heightened throughout societal views. Authors such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift vividly spew these views throughout their writings. Pope’s Rape of the Lock exposes the materialism used in objectifying women, mainly in the upper-class societal levels. The whole plot of the story centers around a cosmetic appearance creatingRead Morevicki hearne vs peter singer com parison essay782 Words   |  4 Pages A quick comparison to Vicki Hearne’s â€Å"What’s Wrong with Animal Rights?† to Peter Singer’s â€Å"Speciesism and Moral Status†, might indicate Hearne’s argument is stronger due to her strategic and effective use of emotional appeals (i.e. pathos). These appeals allow Hearne to connect quickly and easily with her audience. Hearne is also quite clever in terms of stressing her occupation as an animal trainer. 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