Stanza C in "The Rap of the Lock" satirically employs epic language to describe a trivial event, revealing Alexander Pope's mockery of the heroic epic form through humor and exaggeration. Here option C is correct.
The stanza from "The Rap of the Lock" by Alexander Pope that indicates the poem is meant to mock the form of the heroic epic is: "To arms, to arms!" the fierce Virago cries, And swift as lightning to the combat flies. All side in parties, and begin th' attack; Fans clap, silks rustle, and tough whalebones crack;"
In this stanza, Pope uses epic language and heroic imagery to describe a trivial event, which is a satirical technique he employs throughout the poem to mock the exaggerated and grandiose style often associated with heroic epics.
The use of terms like "To arms" and "combat" to describe a battle over a card game highlights the humorous and exaggerated tone intended to satirize the epic genre. Here option C is correct.
Complete question:
Which stanza from "The Rap of the Lock" by Alexander Pope indicates that the poem is meant to mock the form of the heroic epic?
A - "One speaks the glory of the British Queen, And one describes a charming Indian screen; A third interprets motions, looks, and eyes; At ev'ry word a reputation dies."
B - "The Knave of Diamonds tries his wily arts, And wins (oh shameful chance!) the Queen of Hearts. At this, the blood the virg cheek forsook, A livid paleness spreads o'er all her look;"
C - ""To arms, to arms!" the fierce Virago cries, And swift as lightning to the combat flies. All side in parties, and begin th' attack; Fans clap, silks rustle, and tough whalebones crack;"
D - "Think not, when Woman's transient breath is fled That all her vanities at once are dead; Succeeding vanities she still regards, And tho' she plays no more, o'erlooks the cards."