Question

Read the excerpt from "The Rape of Lock" by Alexander Pope. Which line provides evidence that the writer is mocking women for being too preoccupied with their social status?

Soon as she spreads her hand, th' aërial guard Descend, and sit on each important card: First Ariel perch'd upon a Matadore, Then each, according to the rank they bore; For Sylphs, yet mindful of their ancient race, Are, as when women, wondrous fond of place. Behold, four Kings in majesty rever'd, With hoary whiskers and a forky beard; And four fair Queens whose hands sustain a flow'r, Th' expressive emblem of their softer pow'r; Four Knaves in garbs succinct, a trusty band, Caps on their heads, and halberts in their hand; And particolour'd troops, a shining train, Draw forth to combat on the velvet plain. The skilful Nymph reviews her force with care: Let Spades be trumps! she said, and trumps they were.

Answer 1

Answer: For Sylphs, yet mindful of their ancient race,

Are, as when women, wondrous fond of place.

Explanation:

just took the test ;)

Answer 2

The sentence, "And four fair Queens whose hands sustain a flow'r, Th' expressive emblem of their softer pow'r" is an evidence that the writer is mocking women for being preoccupied with their social status. This probably was a metaphor that was used by the writer to sugarcoat his intention for the writing.