Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Identity & Self: As Alice journeys through Wonderland, she often wonders, "Who in the world am I?" How does her sense of self change as she meets the bizarre creatures and navigates the odd rules of Wonderland? What insights does Carroll offer about identity and the process of growing up?

Logic & Nonsense: Wonderland follows a peculiar logic—rules are inconsistent, language has different interpretations, and authority figures appear ridiculous. In what ways does Carroll employ nonsense and illogical elements to critique the norms and conventions of Victorian society?

Power & Authority: Characters such as the Queen of Hearts and the Caterpillar exert control over Alice in various ways. How is the theme of power and authority depicted in the novel? Is it ever genuinely justified, or is it portrayed as arbitrary and nonsensical?

Curiosity as a Virtue: Alice's curiosity propels her into Wonderland and keeps her progressing through it—yet it also leads to challenges. Do you think Carroll views curiosity as a beneficial quality, a perilous one, or a mix of both? Provide specific examples from the text to support your perspective.

Dreams & Reality: The narrative is presented as a dream. How does this framing influence our understanding of the events in the novel? Does recognizing it as a dream alter your interpretation of what Wonderland represents as a reader?

Identity & Self: Throughout her journey in Wonderland, Alice often questions her identity, famously asking, "Who in the world am I?" How does her sense of self evolve as she meets the bizarre inhabitants of Wonderland? What insights does Carroll offer regarding identity and the process of growing up?

Logic & Nonsense: Wonderland functions under its own strange rules that often contradict real-world logic. In what ways does Carroll employ nonsense, wordplay, and absurdity to critique the norms and conventions of Victorian society? Are there instances where the "nonsense" of Wonderland seems more rational than the adult world Alice is accustomed to?

Power & Authority: Figures like the Queen of Hearts, the Duchess, and the Caterpillar each exert power over Alice in unique ways. How does Alice react to these authoritative figures throughout the story? What commentary might Carroll be making about authority and the nature of obedience?

Curiosity as a Theme: Alice's curiosity is the driving force behind the narrative — she chases the White Rabbit, drinks mysterious potions, and opens unusual doors. Is her curiosity depicted as a strength, a weakness, or a combination of both? How does it influence her development as a character?

Dreams & Reality: The narrative ultimately unfolds as Alice's dream. How does this dream framing impact your understanding of the events and characters? Does the revelation that it is a dream alter the significance of Wonderland?