Final Answer:
The best summary of these lines is (b) Belinda uses sickness as an excuse to garner sympathy and attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lines suggest that Belinda is observed in her bedchamber after the assault, wrapped in a gown that is described as both for sickness and for show. The phrase "for sickness and for show" implies that Belinda is using her appearance of illness as a form of display, possibly seeking sympathy and attention. The following lines, "The fair ones feel such maladies as these, / When each new night-dress gives a new disease," further suggest a satirical tone, implying that the changing night-dress is a theatrical element causing imagined ailments rather than actual physical sickness.
The choice of (b) Belinda using sickness as an excuse aligns with the satirical nature of the poem and the portrayal of Belinda's character. The lines convey a sense of mockery towards the superficiality of Belinda's response to the loss of her lock, highlighting the societal emphasis on appearances and the performative nature of certain behaviors. This interpretation contributes to the broader satirical commentary on the vanities of the upper class in the society of the time.
In summary, the lines underscore the satirical portrayal of Belinda, suggesting that her illness is more about seeking attention and sympathy than an actual physical ailment. The use of humor and irony in the lines serves Alexander Pope's satirical purpose, critiquing societal norms and behaviors through the lens of Belinda's exaggerated response to the loss of her lock.