Question

Choose one of the following questions to answer. Consider the context of Lewis Carroll’s The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland. To provide support, use examples from the story. Write a well-developed paragraph of at least five sentences.

Consider the symbolism of Alice’s changing size. What does her size symbolize? Why does Carroll include this symbol?
Consider another symbol you saw in the story. What does it represent? Why do you think Carroll included it?
We do not know much about Alice except that she is a child with a big imagination. Because we do not know many details, Alice could represent any child in Britain at the time (or any child, really). What does Carroll say about childhood in general in his portrayal of Alice?

Answer 1

In Lewis Carroll's 'The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland', Alice's changing size symbolizes her struggle to find her identity and navigate adulthood, while the Cheshire Cat represents the ambiguity and trickery in Wonderland. Carroll portrays childhood as a time of curiosity and exploration.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Lewis Carroll's The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, the symbolism of Alice's changing size represents her struggle to find her identity and navigate the confusing and unpredictable world of adulthood. When she grows too large, she becomes overwhelmed and struggles to fit into society's expectations. When she becomes small, she feels powerless and insignificant. Carroll includes this symbol to explore the universal theme of growing up and the challenges that come with it. Another symbol in the story is the Cheshire Cat, which represents the ambiguity and trickery that Alice encounters in Wonderland. The Cheshire Cat's ability to appear and disappear at will mirrors the unpredictable nature of the world and the characters Alice encounters. Carroll includes this symbol to highlight the nonsensical and illogical nature of Wonderland. In his portrayal of Alice, Carroll portrays childhood as a time of curiosity, imagination, and exploration. Alice's adventures in Wonderland represent the freedom and possibility of childhood, as well as the challenges and confusion that can arise.

Answer 2

The symbolism of Alice's changing size represents the challenges of growing up and the difficulties that come with it. When Alice drinks from the bottle or eats from the cake, she becomes either too big or too small. This change causes her to feel lost and helpless, emphasizing how overwhelming growing up can be.

Her size also represents her power or lack thereof in different situations. When she is small, she is vulnerable and easily overlooked, while when she is large, she is imposing and can intimidate others. Carroll includes this symbol to portray the struggles that children face as they grow and to emphasize how difficult it can be to navigate a world that is constantly changing.