Give a brief note about 18th century fashionable society in The Rape of the Lock.

The first canto sets up the satirical statement that Pope
is making about 18th century fashionable society.  The first two
lines,

What
dire Offence from am'rous Causes springs,            What mighty Contests rise from
trivial Things

suggest that
the poem references society's tendency to embellesh and exaggerate relatively small
infractions of its rules and to hold grudges for such infractions for a long time. 
Indeed this particular event, the impish cutting of a small lock of hair, springs of a
true story from the 18th century.  While most of us can understand how some things are
blown out of proportion, Pope, in Canto One, sets this event up as the cause of the
conflict and as a way to reveal the behaviors of the individuals involved as vain and
trivial.

In Canto Two, society's infatuation with physical
beauty is revealed as the author pens line after line comparing Belinda's beauty to that
of a divinity and describing her lavish garments, jewelry and surroundings.  The point
being made is that this society is vain and
materialistic.

In Canto Three, the behaviors of this
society are examined.  The important pursuits include card games and gossip, which are
both taken very seriously.  In fact, Belinda has sylphs which help her by protecting her
cards.  This insinuates that members of fashionable society could not function without a
myriad of helpers.

Canto Four,  Belinda reacts to the
"rape" of her lock of hair.  The use of the word "rape" indicates the level of reaction
that ensues this prankish act.  Instead of laughing it off as a joke, Belinda becomes
enraged and incapacitated, unable to act without her army of sylphs.  Her ladies react
similarly, treating this as the ultimate act of sabotage and
betrayal. 

Finally, after a battle reminiscent of epics
such as the Aenid, a truce is reached.  After the tragedy, Belinda is happy with a bit
of fame and martyrdom, as indicated by the lines

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This Lock, the Muse shall consecrate to
Fame,
And mid'st the Stars inscribe Belinda's
Name!

Belinda is not urged to
peace by fairness or practicality, but by the promise of her name in the
heavens.