This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 102 literature of the Neo- classical period , sem- 1 , 2023.
* Table of contents:
- Personal Information
- Assignment Details
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Background Information
- Comparison of beauty Standards
- Impact on individual and society
- Conclusion
- References
* Personal Information:
- Name: Maruniya Jay B
- Batch: M.A sem 1
- Enrollment No: 5108230027
- Roll No: 15
- Email ID: maruniyajay2018@gmail.com
* Assignment Details:
- Topic: Beauty Standards in the Modern World: A Comparative Analysis with "The Rape of the Lock"
- Paper and subject code: 102- Literature of the Neo- classical period ( 22393)
- Submitted To: smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavanagar
- Date of submission:01/December/2023
* Abstract:
Women and beauty are identical entities. Beauty is considered a feminine trait and becomes a necessity that has been deeply rooted in the wider social system and is culturally indoctrinated, and has even become a trend on social media. Every day, women are haunted and convinced by the standardization of beauty, which increasingly plunges women into the praise of beauty. This also makes many social media accounts that take a lot of interest and profit by creating Instagram accounts that contain photos of beautiful women. the deconstruction of women's beauty standards on social media, and how whether the post is an act of exploitation against women. A thorough qualitative method is used to examine social media especially Instagram which displays many photos of beautiful females. This study shows, first, the female beauty standard in social media mostly concerning beautiful and fashionable women. Second, the post on Instagram is an act of exploitation of women and is more concerned only with women's beauty rather than women's achievement.
* Introduction:
Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll;
Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul( Rape of the Lock)
The Rape of the Lock was written by Alexander Pope and first published in 1712, then reworked and published again in 1714. The poem is a mock-epic that satirizes the upper-class in London at the time.The story focuses on the central character, Belinda, whose lock of hair is cut off at a social gathering. Although trivial to most, Belinda is outraged that her lock of hair has been cut by the Baron. In the Rape of the Lock, Pope uses Belinda and the Baron to mock two of his acquaintances, Arabella Fermor, and Lord Petre. The poem follows the events of the night, leading up to Belinda’s “horrific” loss. "The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope satirizes the superficiality of 18th-century society's beauty standards, emphasizing the triviality of appearance. In a modern context, beauty standards have evolved, influenced by media, social platforms, and cultural shifts. While societal expectations persist, there's a growing push for inclusivity and acceptance of diverse forms of beauty, challenging traditional norms.
In the modern world, beauty standards continue to be influenced by various factors, such as the media, fashion industry, and social media. The rise of platforms like Instagram has amplified the emphasis on physical appearance, often contributing to unrealistic ideals. However, there is a growing awareness and movement toward body positivity and inclusivity, challenging conventional standards and promoting acceptance of diverse body types and features.
* Background Information:
Rape of the Lock:
"The Rape of the Lock" is a mock-heroic narrative poem written by Alexander Pope in the early 18th century. Published in 1712, the poem satirizes the frivolous society of the time, particularly the aristocracy. The "rape" in the title refers to the cutting of a lock of Belinda's hair, a seemingly trivial event that becomes the central focus of the poem. Through clever and humorous language, Pope explores the vanity, social rituals, and the exaggerated importance given to trivial matters in the society of his day. The poem is a classic example of Pope's satirical and witty style, blending epic conventions with a light-hearted tone.
Modern beauty standards are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including media, culture, and social expectations. In recent times, there has been a growing movement towards embracing diverse body types, ethnicities, and gender expressions, challenging traditional notions of beauty. However, societal pressures and the pervasive influence of social media continue to contribute to a certain idealized image, often emphasizing slimness, youthfulness, and specific facial features. The ongoing conversation around beauty standards involves discussions on inclusivity, body positivity, and the impact of these standards on mental health.
* Comparison of beauty Standards:
Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul( Rape of the Lock)
- Beauty Standards in " Rape of the Lock"
"Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope satirizes the frivolous nature of 18th-century aristocratic society, including its emphasis on beauty and social status. The poem reflects the beauty standards of the time, highlighting the significance placed on physical appearance, particularly hair. The lock of hair serves as a symbol of feminine beauty and social standing, and the exaggerated importance placed on it satirizes the superficial values of the society in which the poem is set.In "The Rape of the Lock," Pope uses satire to criticize the obsession with superficial beauty, especially among the upper class. The poem centers around the cutting of a lock of Belinda's hair, turning a seemingly trivial event into a mock-heroic narrative. The elaborate descriptions of Belinda's appearance, the importance placed on her locks of hair, and the exaggerated rituals surrounding her toilette all satirize the vanity and shallowness of the society Pope is critiquing.
Furthermore,The poem also explores the theme of gender roles and expectations. Belinda's preoccupation with her appearance and the societal pressure she faces to maintain her beauty reflect the limited roles and expectations imposed on women in the 18th century. Pope's satire highlights the absurdity of these conventions and underscores the triviality of the concerns that occupy the characters' lives.
- Modern beauty Standards:
In contemporary society, beauty standards are complex and multifaceted, shaped by a combination of cultural, social, and media influences. The pervasive impact of social media, advertising, and entertainment plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of beauty. Often, these platforms highlight specific physical attributes, leading to the promotion of narrow and sometimes unrealistic ideals.While there's a growing movement towards embracing diversity and challenging traditional norms, there remains a persistent pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. This can have profound effects on individuals, influencing self-esteem and contributing to body image issues. The emphasis on a particular body size, shape, or skin tone can create a sense of inadequacy for those who don't fit these predetermined ideals.
Recent decades have seen the rise of a global beauty industry, with profound effects on people’s body images, ideals of beauty and beauty practices worldwide. In this special issue, we bring together original ethnographic contributions in order to explore an emerging field in so-cial anthropology, showing how bodily grooming and beautification are linked to the creation of gendered bodies and moral selves in the global economy. Following the focus on the relationship between physical beauty and femininity in the scholarly literature, as well as the pattern of responses to our editorial call for papers for this issue,1 we will ad-dress the role of beauty and self-making in relation to the creation of gendered, especially female, subjectivities. While contemporary beauty regimes affect all genders.Specific looks often serve as a form of social distinction, and research shows that aesthetic body modifications have to be analysed in their respective social and cultural contexts, not as individual decisions, but as meaningful within specific circles of friends, in particular work-places or urban neighbourhoods. To sum up, an anthropological perspective on beauty has much to offer the conceptualization of gendered and racialized subjectivities and hence is vital to our understanding of the contemporary condition. Not least, anthropological studies may be cap able of foregrounding the sensual aspects of beauty, as well as the desire and sexuality often inherent in practices of beautification – as-pects that are surprisingly absent from many studies.
- Similarities and Differences:
In "The Rape of the Lock," the beauty standards are deeply rooted in aristocratic culture, where physical appearance and symbolic attributes, like Belinda's lock of hair, hold significant social value. The poem satirizes the extravagant rituals and societal importance placed on superficial aspects of beauty.In the present day, there's a growing awareness of the impact of media and advertising on shaping beauty ideals. Body positivity movements promote acceptance of various body shapes and sizes, challenging traditional norms. Social media platforms have become influential in redefining beauty standards by showcasing a more diverse range of individuals.
Themes comparison:
"Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope explores themes of vanity, social satire, and the triviality of society's concerns. In connection with modern beauty standards, both highlight the obsession with appearance and the potential consequences of placing excessive importance on superficial qualities. The poem satirizes the frivolity of society's values, a critique that resonates with ongoing discussions about contemporary beauty standards and the impact they have on individuals and society as a whole.
* Impact on individual and society:
* Psychological and Social Effects
Adherence to prevailing beauty standards can significantly impact individuals' self-esteem and mental health. Constant exposure to idealized images in media and social platforms can lead to unrealistic expectations, fostering feelings of inadequacy. This pressure may contribute to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and, in some cases, the development of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The societal emphasis on certain beauty ideals often overlooks diversity, further intensifying the negative effects on individuals who don't conform to these standards.
Moreover, the pursuit of these beauty standards can lead to unhealthy behaviors, including extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or even engaging in risky cosmetic procedures. Such practices can pose physical health risks and perpetuate a cycle of dissatisfaction. Additionally, the constant comparison to airbrushed and curated images may fuel a sense of social isolation, as individuals feel they don't measure up to the perceived perfection of others. It's crucial for society to promote a more inclusive definition of beauty and encourage self-acceptance to alleviate the detrimental impact on individuals' well-being.
* Gender and beauty:
In "The Rape of the Lock," Alexander Pope satirizes 18th-century societal norms, including gender roles and beauty expectations. The poem highlights the triviality placed on female appearance, particularly through Belinda's preoccupation with her beauty. Similarly, contemporary society often grapples with persistent gender norms tied to beauty, with women facing pressure to conform to certain standards, perpetuated by media and societal expectations. Both contexts reveal the societal emphasis on appearance and its impact on gender roles.
* Conclusion:
"The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope, a satirical poem, explores societal attitudes towards beauty and vanity in the 18th century. Through its witty narrative, it critiques the triviality of concerns related to appearance. In a comparative analysis with modern beauty standards, one can observe parallels in the satire, highlighting the persistent nature of societal preoccupations with superficial aspects. Both contexts reveal the timeless theme of societal expectations and the impact of appearance on individual lives.
the impact of beauty standards is crucial as it influences individuals' self-esteem, body image, and mental well-being. Unrealistic standards can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and perpetuate harmful practices. On a societal level, these standards can foster discrimination and limit diversity, reinforcing narrow definitions of attractiveness. Recognizing and challenging these norms promotes inclusivity and healthier perspectives on beauty.
* References:
Liebelt, Claudia. “Beauty and the Norm: An Introduction: Debating Standardization In ...” Debating Standardization in Bodily Appearance, Jan. 2019, www.researchgate.net/publication/327227302_Beauty_and_the_Norm_An_Introduction_Debating_Standardization_in_Bodily_Appearance
Minsariya, Aklima. “The Rape of the Lock and Its Understanding of Modern-Day Feminism.” The Rape of The Lock and Its Understanding of Modern-Day Feminism, 2019, course-journals.lib.sfu.ca/index.php/eng420/article/download/287/272/1227
Pachocha, Aron. “What Are Society’s Beauty Standards Today? (2023).” Fashion Coached, 27 Nov. 2023, fashioncoached-com.ngontinh24.com/articles/what-are-society-s-beauty-standards-today
Syarifah, Ma’Isyatusy. “Deconstruction of Women’s Beauty Standard on Social Media: ”Jan. 2022,
Word count: 1983
Image : 2
Thank you 😊...
No comments:
Post a Comment