Final answer:
Lewis Carroll's rhyming strategy in his poetry, particularly 'Jabberwocky', emphasizes the mood and atmosphere over conventional meaning. Rhyming words are selected for their emotional impact and are often invented or portmanteau words that fit within Carroll's unique linguistic style. His approach is integral to the effect of the poetry, aiming to create a specific, often mysterious or whimsical, atmosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discussion of Lewis Carroll's choices for rhyme in his poetry, especially in his nonsensical poem Jabberwocky, creates an interesting study in English literature. In Carroll's work, the rhyming is an essential aspect of the rhythm and mood of the poem, with the selection of words meant to elicit specific emotional responses and convey a certain atmosphere, rather than strictly adhering to conventional meaning. Rhyming words are chosen for their sound and the feelings they evoke since Carroll's diction operates on a connotative rather than denotative level.
For instance, in Robert Burns's poem "To a Mouse," the word 'Mouse' rhymes with 'house'—though Carroll's approach would likely be more unconventional. The word 'Denial' might pair with a created word like 'gryal,' a blend meant to feel whimsical or perplexing. Words ending in '-ur,' such as 'Cur,' could be rhymed with a fabricated term like 'spur,' if it fits into Carroll's shadowy mood. Lastly, for words like 'Breath,' a rhyme might be with 'death,' emphasizing the ephemerality and fragility themes present in Carroll's works.
Overall, Carroll's approach to rhyming is closely tied to the atmosphere he wants to create, using invented or portmanteau words strategically to achieve the desired effect, rather than relying on traditional words and meanings. The rhyme scheme serves a deeper purpose within the poem's structure, contributing to its overall enchanting or shadowy mood. Even in poems not written by Carroll, we can draw parallels in how rhyme and meter are used to control the mood of the piece.