Question

In Canto 1, as Belinda puts on her clothes and makeup, Pope writes that she "puts on all her arms." By this, he means that she puts on armor and weapons as if she is suiting up for war. Why would he compare Belinda to a soldier putting on arms? Who is she going into battle with? Do any of the other characters in Canto 2 behave like they are at war? Why? Give a thorough answer with support from the text.

a) Belinda is preparing for a physical battle with the Baron, and other characters also behave as warriors in the text.
b) Belinda is preparing for a verbal battle, and no other characters in Canto 2 behave like they are at war.
c) Belinda is preparing for a social battle, and the other characters also behave as warriors in the text.
d) The text does not provide enough information to make a judgment.

Answer 1

In Canto 1, as Belinda puts on her clothes and makeup, Pope writes that she "puts on all her arms." By this, he means that she puts on armor and weapons as if she is suiting up for war Belinda is preparing for a verbal battle, and no other characters in Canto 2 behave like they are at war. The correct option is b) Belinda is preparing for a verbal battle, and no other characters in Canto 2 behave like they are at war.

Step-by-step explanation:

Belinda's Verbal Battle: The statement highlights that Belinda is preparing for a verbal battle. This refers to a conflict or confrontation that is based on words rather than physical combat. In the context of Canto 2, this likely relates to a verbal exchange or argumentative situation that Belinda is entering. The correct option is b) Belinda is preparing for a verbal battle, and no other characters in Canto 2 behave like they are at war.

No Other Characters at War: The statement contrasts Belinda's verbal battle with the behavior of other characters in Canto 2. It emphasizes that, unlike Belinda, the other characters in this canto are not behaving as if they are at war. This suggests that Belinda's verbal confrontation may be unique or distinct from the interactions of other characters.