Textual analysis: “Belinda prepares for battle”:
Textual analysis: “Belinda prepares for battle” This passage , from Canto I of the poem , describes a crucial moment in the life of the young and refined noblewoman : the preparation for the War of the Sexes . It is morning and Belinda , the heroine , is sitting at her toilet table , attended by her maid . Her dressing table is presented as an altar and Belinda as almost divine: her image in the mirror is defined as “ heavenly ”. Her preparation is described in religious terms : the order of the cosmetics ’ vase is “ mystic ”, Belinda dressed in white , “ adores “ them ; her chaber-maid who assist her is called an “ inferior priestess ”. The ironic intent of the mock-heroic style becomes explicit with the expression “the sacred rites of Pride ”: Pride , or Vanity , is the modern divinity of the upper classes . Her toilet-table is full of precious and exotic things : India gems , Arabian perfumes , tortoise and elephant objects . All these rich things coming with great effort and expense from all over the world, only to adorn Belinda ’s table are a typical case of mock-heroic style.
Comparing texts:
Pope, “ Belinda prepares for Battle ” Parini, “ La Toilette del Giovin Signore” Time : morning Preparation compared to the preparation for a battle People: Belinda and her chamber-maid Weapons : cosmetics , perfumes , jewellery Verse : heroic couplets Effect : satire, implicit contrast with episodes of ancient epics to reveal the absurdity of the situation described . Time : morning Preparation compared to the preparation for a battle People: young lord and his servants Weapons : clothes , perfumes Verse : endecasillabo sciolto Effect : satire, , implicit contrast with episodes of ancient epics to reveal the absurdity of the situation described . Comparing texts