Born on this day January 27, 1832, Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, has long captured the imagination of readers worldwide with his unique and enchanting literary universe. This Victorian-era mathematician’s foray into literature gave birth to some of the most whimsical and peculiar characters, whose adventures in surreal landscapes continue to fascinate children and adults alike. His works, most notably Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, are kaleidoscopes of paradox, wit, and whimsy that keep readers riveted from start to finish.
Much of the allure of Carroll’s literary universe stems from its intriguing combination of logic and absurdity. His stories are imbued with complex riddles, clever wordplay, and intricate mathematical concepts, all woven into fantastical narratives that blur the line between dream and reality. This intellectual depth, cloaked in seemingly nonsensical tales, compels readers to delve deeper into Carroll’s world, making each reading experience a process of continual discovery.
Carroll’s characters too add to the mysterious charm of his works. From Alice, a young girl grappling with the bizarre rules of Wonderland, to the enigmatic Cheshire Cat with its disappearing act and cryptic statements, each character is a study in paradox. They are as much a source of amusement as they are vehicles for Carroll’s insightful observations about human nature and society.
Carroll’s storytelling style is another facet that contributes to his enduring popularity. He masterfully blends elements of mystery, satire, poetry, and philosophy, creating a narrative style that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. His innovative use of language and genre-bending approach have inspired countless other authors and have cemented his place in the annals of literature.
Lewis Carroll’s literary universe is a rich tapestry of creativity, intellect, and imagination. It is this marriage of whimsy and wisdom that makes his works perpetually captivating, prompting readers to echo Alice’s sentiment: “Curiouser and curiouser!”. The mysterious allure of Carroll’s creations continues to enthrall, proving that his stories are not just flights of fancy, but profound explorations of the human condition.
Jabberwocky
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!”
He took his vorpal sword in hand;
Long time the manxome foe he sought—
So rested he by the Tumtum tree
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
He chortled in his joy.
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
-Lewis Carroll
Curated by Jennifer
