In Lewis Carroll’s classics, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, kings and queens appear embodied in animated playing cards and chessmen. But are they really only “a pack of cards” (Carroll 72) and ordinary chess figures in the eyes of Alice, the heroine of the two books, or does she take them seriously? And if she takes the kings and queens seriously, why doesn’t she always treat them as adult-authorities as one might have expected from a Victorian girl? The idea suggests itself that it was Carroll’s intention to draw a satirical picture of the Victorian monarchy because Queen Victoria’s popularity was no longer at it’s height when he wrote the Alice books. But according to the author himself, his chief motive was to “please a child (he) loved” (Carroll, AotS). Here Lewis Carroll is referring to a girl named Alice Liddell to whom he told Alice’s adventures before he later wrote them for publication. Indeed, Lewis Carroll had an exceptional knowledge of the child’s mind and could thus create a unique fairytale, as the author himself calls his narrative, which is still considered a children’s classic today. How do the kings and queens in the two Alice books then contribute to the success of Carroll’s works of Alice and Wonderland and Through The Looking-Glass?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Analysis
- 2.1 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
- 2.2 Through the Looking-Glass
- 3. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze the role of the monarchy in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. It examines how Carroll portrays kings and queens, considering whether they are simply whimsical figures or satirical representations of the Victorian monarchy. The analysis draws primarily from the original texts and Carroll's own comments.
- The portrayal of monarchy in children's literature.
- Satire of Victorian societal structures through fictionalized royalty.
- Alice's evolving relationship with authority figures.
- The balance between fantasy and reality in Carroll's narratives.
- The exploration of power dynamics and the nature of justice.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central research question: What is the role of the monarchy in Lewis Carroll's Alice books? It notes the depiction of royalty as playing cards and chess pieces, questioning whether Alice perceives them as real authorities or simply fantastical elements. The chapter highlights Carroll's potential satirical intent toward the Victorian monarchy, while acknowledging his primary goal of creating a story to please a child he loved. The introduction lays the groundwork for analyzing how the portrayal of kings and queens contributes to the enduring success of the Alice books.
2. Analysis: This chapter delves into the depiction of monarchy in both Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. In Wonderland, the analysis focuses on the Queen and King of Hearts, exploring their unjust rule and Alice's reactions. The chapter examines the contrast between Alice's initial fear and her eventual defiance, highlighting the absurdity of the monarchy's power and Alice's growing assertiveness. The trial scene is examined as a pivotal moment showcasing Alice's rejection of illogical authority. In Through the Looking-Glass, the focus shifts to the Red and White Queens, exploring Alice's changing perception of them as she grows and interacts with them. The chapter compares and contrasts the two Queens, exploring their roles as both authoritative figures and potential sources of support and guidance for Alice.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass, Victorian Monarchy, Children's Literature, Satire, Authority, Power Dynamics, Fantasy, Reality, Child Psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Monarchy in Lewis Carroll's Alice Books
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the portrayal of monarchy in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. It explores whether the kings and queens are simply whimsical characters or satirical representations of the Victorian monarchy.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis examines several key themes, including the portrayal of monarchy in children's literature, the use of satire to critique Victorian societal structures, Alice's evolving relationship with authority figures, the balance between fantasy and reality in Carroll's narratives, and the exploration of power dynamics and justice.
What sources does the analysis primarily draw upon?
The analysis primarily uses the original texts of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, along with any relevant comments or insights made by Lewis Carroll himself.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into three main sections: an introduction, a detailed analysis, and a conclusion. The analysis section is further divided into subsections focusing on each of the Alice books individually.
How does the paper analyze Alice's Adventures in Wonderland?
The analysis of Wonderland focuses on the Queen and King of Hearts, their unjust rule, and Alice's reactions. It examines Alice's progression from fear to defiance, highlighting the absurdity of their power and Alice's growing assertiveness. The trial scene is a key element in this analysis.
How does the paper analyze Through the Looking-Glass?
The analysis of Through the Looking-Glass centers on the Red and White Queens, and how Alice's perception of them changes as she matures and interacts with them. The analysis compares and contrasts the roles of both queens, considering them as both authoritative figures and potential sources of support and guidance for Alice.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper?
While the provided text doesn't explicitly state the conclusion, it sets the stage for an analysis which likely draws conclusions about Carroll's use of monarchy as a vehicle for satire, commentary on Victorian society, and exploration of childhood development.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
The keywords include: Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass, Victorian Monarchy, Children's Literature, Satire, Authority, Power Dynamics, Fantasy, Reality, and Child Psychology.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Marlissa Gerken (Autor:in), 2003, The Role of The Monarchy in Lewis Carroll’s "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through The Looking-Glass And What Alice Found There", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/91806
