In fact all satire is largely descended from the classical Greek and Roman literatures, something which one must find fascinating, given the particular nature of Pope's "The Rape of the Lock". ... Here we begin to realise how Pope's text is, in effect, neo-classical, how it imitates the classical models but deals with much more trivial matters. ... One of the most striking features of the classical epic is the connection between the mortal world of man and the immortal gods, the use of some form of supernatural machinery, which is precisely what Pope has done in "The Rape of the Lock...

• Word Count: 2068
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Now, if the lady is intelligent, as he seems to be, she will note the reference to the shame, sin, loss of virginity and the possible pregnancy. ... Donne indulged in quaint poetical conceits ignoring the classical conventions and classical characters (always keeping the object of affection anonymous), and the treatment of topics and objects of everyday life. ...

• Word Count: 1246
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

By saying "Ask me no more where Jove bestows,When June is past, the fading rose" (lines 1 and 2), Carew is referring to Jove's (the ruling god of classical mythology) divine power in dictating where roses go after their season is over. ... "[W]hen May is past/ in your sweet dividing throat/ She winters and keeps warm her note" (lines 10-12) explains that when the nightingale migrates and stops singing, the nightingale is just resting in the woman's throat. ...

• Word Count: 1528
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate