Lewis Carroll, "Alice in Wonderland" as a Work of Nonsense Fiction

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?

9. Conclusion

Research Objectives and Thematic Focus

This thesis examines Lewis Carroll's Alice books as works of literary nonsense, analyzing how the author's dual persona and historical context influenced the creation of these stories. It explores the structural composition of the narratives, the characterization of Alice through her imagination, and the use of nonsense as a literary device, while also investigating the underlying philosophical implications of the texts.

• The influence of Carroll’s dual identity as Charles L. Dodgson and Lewis Carroll on his literary output.
• The formal construction and plot parallels between Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.
• The role of Alice's imagination and self-identity within a nonsensical world.
• Definitions and varieties of "Literary Nonsense," including the significance of "Jabberwocky" and Humpty Dumpty’s linguistics.
• Philosophical themes within the books, such as Cartesian dualism and the logic of time and space.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Presents the scope of the thesis, focusing on Lewis Carroll's dual personality and the importance of analyzing his Alice books as works of literary nonsense.

2. The Victorian Author — Lewis Carroll vs. Charles L. Dodgson: Examines the life, habits, and professional background of the author, contrasting his life as a mathematician with his persona as a writer of children's stories.

3. The Genesis of Alice in Wonderland: Details the historical background of the Alice books, specifically focusing on the friendship with the Liddell children and the famous 1862 boat trip.

4. The Construction of the Plot: Compares the structural similarities between the two novels, specifically the use of a reality frame and a dream plot-line.

5. The Heroine Alice and her Imagination: Analyzes Alice's characterization as a curious and imaginative child and how these traits help her navigate her dream worlds.

6. Nonsense in Alice in Wonderland: Defines "Literary Nonsense" and provides an in-depth exploration of its various devices within Carroll's texts.

7. Allusions to Philosophy: Discusses how the Alice books engage with complex philosophical issues, including the mind-body problem and theories of personal identity.

8. A Children’s Book or More?: Evaluates the transition of the Alice books from literature intended for children into classic texts that engage adult readers through irony and complex themes.

9. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings of the thesis regarding the author's personality, the genesis of the books, the application of nonsense, and the broader appeal of the works.

Keywords

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland, Charles L. Dodgson, Literary Nonsense, Victorian Era, Jabberwocky, Humpty Dumpty, Plot Construction, Philosophical Allusions, Cartesian Dualism, Children's Literature, Portmanteau, Mirroring, Identity, Imagination

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The work explores Lewis Carroll’s Alice books as significant examples of literary nonsense, considering how the author's personal life, the Victorian historical context, and formal narrative structures contribute to the depth of these works.

What are the primary thematic areas covered?

Key themes include the distinction between Carroll and his persona Dodgson, the genesis of the stories through his friendship with the Liddell family, the analysis of linguistic nonsense, and the presence of complex philosophical problems within the narrative.

What is the central research objective?

The research aims to demonstrate that the Alice books are not merely simple children's tales but complex literary constructs that utilize specific nonsense devices to comment on Victorian society, linguistics, and philosophy.

Which scientific methods are applied?

The thesis employs literary analysis and historical reconstruction, drawing upon biographical data and established scholarly theories on nonsense literature to interpret the text.

What is discussed in the main body?

The main body investigates plot construction, the role of Alice's imagination, the definitions of literary nonsense, a detailed analysis of "Jabberwocky," and philosophical examinations regarding identity and the mind-body connection.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Central terms include Literary Nonsense, Victorian Era, Lewis Carroll, Jabberwocky, philosophical allusions, and structural plot analysis.

How does the author define literary nonsense?

The author defines it as a genre that balances meaning and its absence, using devices like mirroring, simultaneity, neologisms, and portmanteau words to create a playful yet complex literary effect.

Why does Humpty Dumpty hold such a central place in the analysis?

Humpty Dumpty is analyzed because he acts as an authoritative, albeit arbitrary, linguistic figure who attempts to define the meaning of words, providing a crucial key to understanding the "Jabberwocky" poem.

How does the thesis address the "children's book" label?

It argues that while written for children, the books possess a complexity and level of social and philosophical criticism that make them profoundly relevant and enjoyable for adult readers.