Introduction
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is one of those wonderful tales that was written by Charles Ludwidge Dudgson under the pen name Lewis Carroll. In the story, a very young girl Alice falls down a rabbit hole only to find herself in a different world, the world of fantasy the land that Carroll calls it Wonderland that is full of strange creatures. It explicitly utilizes a variety of literary styles and logic to capture the attention of both adults and children. Alice finding herself in the rabbits bit makes her eyes to turn into a pool of tears but after interaction with various animals, the inhabitants of the Wonderland she finds favor and begins to like the place. Children through their curiosity come to discover the beauty of the world and so no one should ever intimidate or restrict them when they want to go for an adventure.
The tale was written just five years after Reverend Charles and Lutwidge Dodgson and Reverend Robinson Duckworth made a journey using the boat alongside three young daughters of Henry Liddell. The three were girls of between age 8 and 13 years, Alice Pleasance one of the girls was 10 years by then. (Carroll, 1999 p.16) Their journey was from Folly Bridge that is next to Oxford, a few miles from Godstow. Reverend Dodgson in a move to ensure that the girls do not get bored with the long journey gave them the story of a girl called Alice who was so eager for an adventure and the reason why she was so bored because there was no opportunity to do what she wanted most. They girls found the story so interesting and Alice was the first one to ask The Reverend to put the story in writing for her so that she can even review it in future. The manuscript of the tale then began to be written the next day. The author later reveals that the three girls after one month since the time when the story was narrated.
Dodgson’s inclusion of the children in the whole process of making, editing, illustrating, and publishing the story reveals an aspect of respect for children’s rights in decision-making. He first granted Alice the desire of her heart of having the story in written form specifically dedicated for her. Many people would always ignore such suggestions saying that those are just but childish ideas but Dodgson took it positively and did as required by the young girl. The first manuscript was taken to MacDonald’s for them to examine the story and give their reactions of the same. Historically everyone will agree that very few writers consult children while preparing their writings even though they concern the children themselves.
The story is located underground featuring Alice traveling through a rabbits burrow, a tunnel dug specifically by the rabbit to enhance inhabitation and serve as a hiding place in case of an adversary. Alice’s desire for adventure is what pushed her to such a place and it is such a surprise to her because off course she never expected it to of that kind. The hole itself is located is located at banks of River Thames specifically Isis, a river that flows through the Southern part of England. The exact location could be beneath Oxfordshire between Folly Bridge and Godstow. The land is woodland that is largely inhabited by animals including turtles, rabbits among others. This is description of an environment good for an adventure that every child would wish to visit some day and enjoy the day.
Use of cannibalism is another literary art that Dodgson used to impress his audience. Carina one of the characters notes that this world is “expressed via representations of food and appetite” (Carroll, 1999 p. 156). The incidences of animals feeding on each other instance raven eating the worm is a representation of life feeding on life. The whole story revolves around carnivorous kind of relationships where one either eats or is eaten. This gives the bigger picture of the worldview, where everyone seeks to take advantage of another person’s weakness.
In summary children are a great resource with the ability to make a change in the society given the proper support and enabling environment. Nobody should ever intimidate a child even though they are young, the fact they young means that they have fresh ideas. Alice is an example of those children who are given the right to make a positive change; she was able push her way through to get what she wanted. The historic background of the story is a clear demonstration of how a simple idea can crop up and become a great inspiration. The geographical setting is also strategic, a good place for adventure, and great experience in the environment. Dodgson explores all possible avenues of literary styles to deliver the message clearly putting it in the right historic context and proper geographical setting bringing out their attitudes towards children.
Reference
Carroll, Lewis, and Helen Oxenbury. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Cambridge, Mass: Candlewick Press, 1999.
