Alice is a multi-tiered allegory for Victorian life, just as The Wizard of Oz is an allegory for the economic and socio-political times of 19^th century America.  Both stories feature young girls who lose their way and end up in a land that doesn’t make sense,[1] from which they “awake” after their adventures, suggesting that their dreamlands are idealized places. Alice even remarks, “What a wonderful dream it had been.”[2]

Hatters went insane due to prolonged exposure to mercury vapors during the felting process: “Erratic, flamboyant behavior was one of the most evident alterations caused by mercury,”[3] so the Mad Hatter is based in reality. The similarity between the two stories, along with a seed of truth in Alice, shows that there is more to the story than nonsensical language and tangential off-shoots. Lauren Millikan, in her senior project[4], identifies numerous allegories.[5] Historical interpretations include:

Political (International expansion led to violence and fear of the monarchy, as reflected in the Queen’s behavior [Queen Victoria], who constantly proclaims, “Off with their heads”.)

Colonial (Alice misunderstands the native culture, frequently insulting the animals, “I wish the creatures wouldn’t be so easily offended!”[6] and insisting on proper etiquette.)

Math (As a mathematician, Carroll loved puzzles, games, and mind teasers[7], which are prevalent in Alice: “Why is a raven like a writing desk?”[8] )

Science (Darwin’s findings[9] are referenced as animals appear out of the water i.e. Alice’s tears[10], which suggests that Alice is god-like in this new world, especially during times of growth, and culminates with her boldness during the trial[11])

Humanity (The mistreatment of children and the mentally ill were prevalent in Victorian society, “’…an insane person was “appropriated” to the status of a child, which was an improvement over the status of animal.’[12] Although, considering the marginal identity of children, this still kept them on the furthest edges of society”[13]. The Duchess and her “child”, who becomes a pig, showcase this injustice.)

[1] My husband pointed out this similarity.

[2] Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, 1985 edition, page 144

[3]  http://corrosion-doctors.org/Elements-Toxic/Mercury-mad-hatter.htm

[4] “Curiouser and Curiouser, The Evolution of Wonderland”, Lauren Millikan http://www.carleton.edu/departments/ENGL/Alice/index.html

[5] Other theories on Millikan’s site: http://www.carleton.edu/departments/ENGL/Alice/criticism.html

[6] Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, 1985 edition, page 59

[7] Charles Lutwidge Dodgson biography, http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Dodgson.html

[8] Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, 1985 edition, page 79

[9] Charles Darwin published Origin of Species in 1859.

[10] Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, 1985 edition, page 32

[11] Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, 1985 edition, pp. 136 – 144

[12] Jan Gordon citation: http://www.carleton.edu/departments/ENGL/Alice/Footbibliography.html#gordon

[13]  http://www.carleton.edu/departments/ENGL/Alice/CritVict.html