Definition

Mock-epic (also called mock-heroic or heroi-comic) is a long narrative poem written in mock-
heroic style, intended to be humorous. More specifically, mock-epic is a parody of the epic style
or manner by treating a trivial subject seriously.

The characteristics of mock-epic would be almost same as the epic but it should be clearly
distinguished by its dissimilarity between subject and style. The characteristics of the Rape of
the lock as mock-epic are depicted below;

1. The Title:
A mock heroic poetry must be beautified with a grand title. Rape is a serious moral violation
which means the seizure of a lady against her consent. In this case, pople brought such very
word to describe the possession of belinda’s hair-lock by baron, just to produce a mock heroic
sensation.

2. Variation of style and subject

Mock-Epic is a good example of ‘High burlesque’. This means, the rhyme-scheme of a mock-epic
would be grand but the subject would be ridiculous.
In this poem, pope’s subject matter is insignificant but the style is very high like an epic saga.
The rape of the lock is not so rich in content to it with epic rhythm.

3. Structural form
Like an epic, this poem is also divided in several Cantos and episodes that filter The rape of the
lock as a mock-heric epic. Pope also began this poem with an invocation in First stanza, that fits
the style appropriately.

4. Supernatural activities
Being an epic, The rape of the lock is presented with supernatural activities. As an epic feature,
an explicit difference between heaven and hell is shown in this poem. Belinda plays the role of
a divine ore from the celestial chastity of sylphs. In other hand, baron is the spokesman of
gnomes like Milton’s Satan.
 Mock-epic usually consists of the following features:

Mock-heroic Characteristics:

 A sarcastic tone.
 A trivial or insignificant subject.
 A protagonist with exaggerated heroic qualities such as, stupidity, amorality, etc.
 Mockery of heroic style.

Epic-specific Conventions:

 Invocation in epic tradition.

 A formal statement of theme.
 Elaborate descriptions of battles, warriors and their weapons.
 Use of supernatural machinery.
 Journeys on water and down to the underworld.
 Long discussions.
 Boasting speeches.
 Use of grand and exalted style of the serious epic.
 Use of epic similes, or elaborate comparisons similar to Homer.
 Division of the work into books and cantos.