Character sketch of Belinda
Belinda is the major character of the poem, The Rape of the Lock. Most of the events and incidents of the poem revolve around her character.She represents the typical fashionable ladies of her time.
There is no seriousness or sincerity in the character of Belinda. Her character is very complex. On one hand, she is the object of satire and on other hand, she is the goddess of beauty.
When Belinda is first introduced to us, we learn that the brightness of her eyes surpasses the brightness of the sun. But at the same time we learn that she is a lazy woman who continues to sleep till twelve in the day and who on waking up at that hour falls asleep again. When she opens her eyes, she goes through a love letter which is waiting for her and which makes her forget the vision that she had seen. Her beauty and charm is emphasized when she gets busy with her toilet. The toilet table is like a Church to her.Her cosmetics are like her offerings to the goddess of beauty.
Belinda's outdoor life begins with her boat which sails on the Thames.As she sails on the river, she smiles at her spectators and keeps them at safe distance. She is so gorgeous.
Belinda visits Hampton Court a place of marry making and getting together. This place attracts different people of different professions. Young men and women play the game of cards. She loves Baron at heart but abuses him.
To sum up the whole discussion, Belinda is a complex character. She is the true representative of the 18th century.