.It would be unfair to the examination of this mock-epic poem, if one were to not address the author's intentions in compiling such underlying themes. From all historical accounts, Mr. Pope was not a physically attractive man. With poor health caused by tuberculosis and asthma, Pope also had a curvature of the spine resulting in his four foot, six inch stature.Is this piece of his work not only a satire on the cutting of hair, but a description of Pope's hopes of finding such a woman who is not as shallow as the characters he writes of? Once again, speaking though Clarissa, Pope states an effective and simple truth, "Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll; / Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul." (N. 1)...
