Final answer:
'Jabberwocky' by Lewis Carroll begins with the contraction 'Twas, leading to a world of nonsense words that create a shadowy mood and engage the imagination. Words operate on a connotative level, evoking emotions rather than conveying concrete meanings. This approach demonstrates the power of sound and rhythm in poetry.
Step-by-step explanation:
'Jabberwocky' Contraction and Mood
The poem 'Jabberwocky' by Lewis Carroll begins with the contraction 'Twas, followed by the word 'brillig'. The line reads: "'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves." This creates a mysterious atmosphere that sets the tone for the nonsensical yet evocative language throughout the poem. Using made-up words, Carroll conveys a shadowy mood, allowing readers to imagine their meanings.
The choice of words in 'Jabberwocky' serves more than just establishing the setting; it creates a mood that is pivotal to experiencing the poem. Words like 'brillig' and 'slithy' carry impressions and sensations beyond their non-existent dictionary definitions, operating on a connotative level that stirs emotions and images in the reader.
Hence, the contraction that begins the poem is 'Twas (a), and it introduces the reader to a world of playful language where sounds and rhythm contribute as much to the meaning as any traditional narrative could.
The particular art of using nonsense words in 'Jabberwocky' is integral to its charm and engages the reader's imagination.