The following thesis is about “Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland as a Work of Nonsense Fiction”. Carroll’s masterpiece Alice in Wonderland, which includes both books, namely Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, does not only belong to the most popular English children’s books, but it is also regarded as a classic around the world. Especially in English-speaking countries, lines from the Alice books have been as often cited as lines from Shakespeare or the bible. Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, who used the pseudonym “Lewis Carroll” for his writings, made up the tale Alice in Wonderland for his most-loved child-friend and muse Alice Liddell and her sisters during a boat trip on the River Thames. Lewis Carroll is known, next to Edward Lear, as one of the most famous Nonsense poets and writers. Moreover, it is claimed that he was the first author to introduce Nonsense into children’s literature, and as result, had a huge impact with his Alice books on English children’s literature. The split between the two personalities, namely the Victorian author Carroll and the Reverend and mathematician Dodgson, who taught at Christ Church, Oxford, has to be considered in order to get a better understanding of the Alice books as a Nonsense Work.
This is exactly what will be done in this thesis. Firstly, there will be given a general overview on the author’s life. Secondly, the boat trip itself and with it the genesis of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There will be discussed. After that, a closer examination of the plot and its construction in both books will be given. In addition, similarities and differences will be shown between the construction of the plot of the first and the second Alice book. Furthermore, the characterization of the eponymous heroine “Alice” will be analyzed and will be regarded under Alice’s ability of imagination.
A special focus will be on the Nonsense fiction as such. A definition of Literary Nonsense will be given and varieties of Literary Nonsense will be examined on the basis of the two Alice books. Additionally, Lewis Carroll’s well-known poem “Jabberwocky” in Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There will be analyzed as an example of Nonsense Fiction. In the context of the poem “Jabberwocky”, there has also to be looked on the still ubiquitous Humpty Dumpty, who is next to the Duchess, March Hare...
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Victorian Author - Lewis Carroll vs. Charles L. Dodgson
- 3. The Genesis of Alice in Wonderland
- 4. The Construction of the Plot
- 5. The Heroine Alice and her Imagination
- 6. Nonsense in Alice in Wonderland
- 6.1 Definition of Literary Nonsense
- 6.2 Varieties of Nonsense in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
- 6.3 Varieties of Nonsense in Through the Looking-Glass
- 6.3.1 “Jabberwocky”
- 6.3.2 Humpty Dumpty's Concept of Language
- 7. Allusions to Philosophy
- 8. A Children's Book or More?
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to explore Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland as a work of nonsense fiction. It examines the duality of the author's persona, the genesis of the story, the plot's construction, and the role of nonsense within the narrative. The analysis will delve into specific examples of nonsense, such as "Jabberwocky," and consider the philosophical implications of the text. Finally, it questions whether the books transcend their categorization as mere children's literature.
- The duality of Lewis Carroll's personality (Charles Dodgson vs. Lewis Carroll)
- The genesis and development of the Alice stories
- The nature and function of nonsense in the Alice books
- Analysis of specific examples of nonsense fiction within the text
- Exploration of philosophical allusions and the broader significance of the work
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis, establishing Alice in Wonderland's enduring popularity and its status as a classic work of English children's literature. It highlights the author's dual identity—Charles Dodgson, the mathematician and clergyman, and Lewis Carroll, the celebrated author—and introduces the key themes and arguments that will be explored throughout the thesis. The chapter outlines the structure of the analysis, promising to examine the author's life, the genesis of the stories, plot construction, the character of Alice, the concept of literary nonsense, and philosophical implications. It also explains the use of abbreviations for the two books.
2. The Victorian Author Lewis Carroll vs. Charles L. Dodgson: This chapter delves into the biographical details of Lewis Carroll's life, emphasizing the contrast between his public persona as the reserved mathematician Charles Dodgson and his creative identity as Lewis Carroll. It discusses his upbringing, education, career at Christ Church College, Oxford, and his various interests, including mathematics, puzzles, games, and photography. The chapter highlights his fascination with young girls, noting his extensive photographic work, and explores the apparent paradox between his Victorian social decorum and his unconventional fascination with child subjects. His meticulous record-keeping habits are also touched upon, illustrating his peculiar personality. The chapter’s significance lies in showing how the author’s life and personality shaped his literary creations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Alice in Wonderland Thesis Preview
What is the overall purpose of this thesis?
This thesis explores Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland as a work of nonsense fiction. It examines the author's dual personality, the story's origins, plot structure, and the role of nonsense in the narrative. The analysis delves into specific examples of nonsense, like "Jabberwocky," and considers the philosophical implications. Finally, it questions whether the books are simply children's literature or something more.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the duality of Lewis Carroll's personality (Charles Dodgson vs. Lewis Carroll), the genesis and development of the Alice stories, the nature and function of nonsense in the Alice books, analysis of specific nonsense fiction examples, and exploration of philosophical allusions and the work's broader significance.
What topics are covered in each chapter?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Sets the stage, highlighting Alice in Wonderland's enduring popularity and Carroll's dual identity. It outlines the thesis's structure and key arguments. Chapter 2 (The Victorian Author): Delves into Lewis Carroll's life, contrasting his public persona (Charles Dodgson) with his creative identity (Lewis Carroll). It explores his upbringing, career, interests, and fascination with young girls. Chapter 3 (The Genesis of Alice in Wonderland): [Summary not provided in preview] Chapter 4 (The Construction of the Plot): [Summary not provided in preview] Chapter 5 (The Heroine Alice and her Imagination): [Summary not provided in preview] Chapter 6 (Nonsense in Alice in Wonderland): Defines literary nonsense, analyzes its varieties in both Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, including "Jabberwocky" and Humpty Dumpty's concept of language. Chapter 7 (Allusions to Philosophy): [Summary not provided in preview] Chapter 8 (A Children's Book or More?): [Summary not provided in preview]
What specific examples of nonsense are analyzed?
The thesis analyzes specific examples of nonsense, notably "Jabberwocky" from Through the Looking-Glass, and Humpty Dumpty's unique approach to language.
What is the significance of Lewis Carroll's dual identity?
The thesis emphasizes the contrast between Lewis Carroll, the creative author, and Charles Dodgson, the reserved mathematician and clergyman. It explores how this duality shaped his literary creations.
What is the overall conclusion of the thesis (as previewed)?
The preview suggests the thesis will ultimately question whether Alice in Wonderland transcends its categorization as mere children's literature, considering its philosophical depth and literary merit.
What is included in the preview provided?
The preview includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, and chapter summaries (for Chapters 1 and 2).
What is the target audience for this thesis?
The target audience is likely academic, focusing on literary analysis and potentially those interested in Victorian literature, children's literature, or nonsense literature.
- Quote paper
- Christin Maier (Author), 2010, Lewis Carroll, "Alice in Wonderland" as a Work of Nonsense Fiction, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/287317
