Summary

The sun rises over the Thames. Belinda is out with a company of other young people, though she is by far the most beautiful. Two locks of her hair hang behind her ears, calling particular attention to her. A Baron notices Belinda's beauty, especially her hair. He woos her with gifts, letters, and prayers. Belinda is out on a small boat with some friends. Everyone is enjoying themselves, except for the spirit Ariel, who is concerned Belinda may be becoming interested in men. He calls on fifty other spirits to prevent her from doing so. He threatens them horribly if anything happens to her.

Analysis

This is one of the sections of the poem that most reveals the poem’s troubled and complex attitudes towards gender. Pope’s attitude towards women has been a controversial subject in the reception of his works. Many critics...