Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: A Literary Analysis of Identity, Logic, and Social Norms

Posted on May 19, 2024 in Psychology and Sociology

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: A Literary Analysis

1. Unusual Behavior

The creatures in Wonderland exhibit behaviors that are bizarre and illogical compared to societal norms. For example, the White Rabbit is excessively punctual and panicky, the Cheshire Cat can disappear and reappear at will, and the Queen of Hearts is obsessed with executions.

2. Absurd Logic

Wonderland’s inhabitants often adhere to a nonsensical or inverted logic. This is notably seen during the Mad Tea-Party, where the Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse engage Alice in absurd conversations and riddles that defy reason.

3. Physical Transformations

Characters in Wonderland undergo spontaneous changes in size and appearance. Alice herself experiences this when she consumes items that make her shrink or grow. This fluidity in physical form contrasts sharply with the fixed nature of human beings in Alice’s world.

4. Language and Communication

Communication in Wonderland is characterized by wordplay, puns, and absurd conversations. The creatures often speak in riddles or use language in unconventional ways that challenge conventional understanding.

5. Lack of Social Conventions

Wonderland lacks the rigid social norms and etiquettes of Victorian England. The characters, such as the Queen of Hearts, freely order executions without due process, reflecting a disregard for typical societal rules.

These differences highlight the fantastical and surreal nature of Wonderland’s inhabitants and serve as indicators to Alice (and the readers) that she has entered a distinctly different and fantastical world. The behaviors and interactions of these creatures create a sense of whimsy, absurdity, and wonder that distinguishes them from the mundane reality of Alice’s home in England.

Alice’s Identity Crisis in Wonderland

1. Constant Changes in Size

One of the earliest sources of Alice’s identity confusion is her physical transformation. She drinks from a bottle labeled “Drink Me” and eats a cake labeled “Eat Me,” causing her to grow taller and shorter unexpectedly. These sudden changes in size disrupt her sense of self and physical identity, leaving her unsure of who she really is.

2. Lack of Control

Throughout her journey, Alice encounters numerous bizarre and unpredictable characters and situations that challenge her understanding of reality. She often feels powerless and unable to control her surroundings, leading to a sense of insecurity about her own agency and identity.

3. Unpredictable Rules and Logic

Wonderland operates according to its own whimsical and illogical rules, which constantly confound Alice’s attempts to make sense of her surroundings. The absurdity of Wonderland’s logic undermines Alice’s confidence in her own understanding of the world, contributing to her feelings of confusion and insecurity.

4. Interactions with Eccentric Characters

Alice interacts with a cast of eccentric and often irrational characters, such as the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. These encounters challenge Alice’s sense of social norms and behavioral expectations, further complicating her understanding of who she is and how she should behave.

5. Desire for Identity and Purpose

As Alice navigates Wonderland, she grapples with existential questions about her identity and purpose. She seeks to understand who she is and what her role is in this strange world, but the ever-changing nature of Wonderland frustrates her attempts at self-discovery.

Alice’s Victorian Upbringing

Victorian Ideals for Young Girls

1. Politeness and Good Manners: Victorian girls were expected to exhibit polite behavior and good manners in social settings. Alice demonstrates polite behavior in her interactions with the various characters she encounters in Wonderland, despite their often peculiar or rude behavior.
2. Basic Education and Curiosity: Girls were encouraged to be educated to a certain extent, typically in basic subjects like reading and arithmetic. Alice shows a curious and inquisitive nature, which suggests a thirst for knowledge.
3. Domestic Skills: While Alice’s specific domestic skills are not highlighted in the story, Victorian girls were expected to learn household management, sewing, and other domestic tasks.
4. Respect for Authority and Elders: Victorian society placed a strong emphasis on respect for authority figures and elders, which is reflected in Alice’s interactions with the creatures she encounters in Wonderland.
5. Inquisitiveness and Creativity: Girls were encouraged to be curious and imaginative within the bounds of societal expectations. Alice’s adventures in Wonderland showcase her vivid imagination and ability to think creatively.

Alice’s Education and Experiences

Regarding specific things Alice mentions she has learned, she does make references to her education and experiences throughout the story. For example, Alice recites poems, remembers facts from her lessons, and draws on her knowledge of stories and songs. She also demonstrates a familiarity with etiquette and social norms, indicating the education typical for a girl of her background during the Victorian era. However, the story primarily focuses on Alice’s fantastical journey rather than providing extensive details about her formal education or accomplishments before entering Wonderland.

Mowgli’s Experience in the Human Village

Mowgli’s Feelings and Observations

1. Alienation: Mowgli feels alienated and out of place among the humans in the village. Having been raised by wolves in the jungle, Mowgli is used to the ways of the animals and the laws of the jungle. The human village represents a stark contrast to his natural habitat and upbringing.
2. Curiosity: Despite feeling like an outsider, Mowgli is curious about the ways of the humans. He observes their activities, interactions, and customs with fascination, trying to understand their way of life.
3. Desire for Acceptance: At times, Mowgli desires acceptance and connection with the humans. He longs to belong somewhere and seeks a sense of community, similar to the bonds he shared with the wolf pack.
4. Confusion: Mowgli experiences confusion and conflict about his identity. He grapples with the realization that he is both human and wolf, torn between the two worlds. The human village amplifies this internal struggle, making him question where he truly belongs.
5. Discomfort: Mowgli feels uncomfortable and constrained by the norms and restrictions of human society. The rules and expectations of village life clash with his instincts and freedom-loving nature.
6. Yearning for the Jungle: Despite the challenges of jungle life, Mowgli ultimately yearns for the freedom and wildness of the jungle. He feels a deep connection to the natural world and finds solace in the company of animals.

In summary, Mowgli’s experience in the human village highlights the complexities of identity and belonging. While he is intrigued by human civilization, he ultimately feels a stronger affinity towards the jungle and its inhabitants, leading him to navigate between these two worlds throughout the story.

Mowgli’s Jungle Education

Laws and Teachings of the Jungle

1. Law of the Jungle: Mowgli learns the fundamental law of the jungle, which emphasizes survival, respect, and cooperation among all creatures. This law encompasses principles such as “the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack,” emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual support.
2. Respect for Elders: Mowgli is taught to respect and defer to the wisdom of older and more experienced animals. This includes showing deference to Akela, the leader of the wolf pack, and other senior members of the jungle community.
3. Hunting Ethics: Mowgli learns the rules of hunting, including taking only what is needed for survival and not killing for sport. Baloo and Bagheera teach him to hunt with respect for the laws of nature and the balance of the jungle ecosystem.
4. Avoiding Man-Village: Mowgli is warned against venturing into the human village, as it represents danger and potential harm to him and the jungle animals. This rule underscores the divide between the human world and the wild, where Mowgli must choose his path.
5. Avoiding Fire: Mowgli is cautioned about the dangers of fire, which is viewed as a powerful and potentially destructive force. He learns to handle fire responsibly and understands its significance in both human and animal contexts.
6. Importance of Cooperation: Mowgli learns the value of cooperation and teamwork among different species in the jungle. This includes forming alliances with animals like Baloo and Bagheera, who become his mentors and protectors.

These teachings reflect the moral and ethical principles of the jungle world, emphasizing the importance of harmony, mutual respect, and adherence to natural laws. Mowgli’s understanding of these rules helps shape his character and guides his actions as he navigates the challenges and adventures of the jungle.

ntures of the jungle.