Down the Rabbit Hole

Lewis Carroll’s novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” as a whole could be construed as a satire about England and its monarchy. Every aspect of this story alludes to the British lifestyle in the 19^th century. While reading about Wonderland, one cannot just focus on events within the story, such as the tea party, the croquet match, and trial. The astute reader ought to deeply ponder the people who inhabit this fantasy land.

Alice, to the casual reader, seems to be a child with an overactive imagination. However, upon closer inspection, this girl can be seen as the voice of reason. As early as chapter 2, she notices how “curiouser and curiouser” Wonderland and its inhabitants are. She knows how things should be and yet, in this world they aren’t. In fact, she sees Wonderland’s laws as both meaningless and insane, just as the British saw their own laws.

At first glance, the Mad Hatter is simply an insane man Alice meets. There is more to this character than insanity. During the 19^th century, the Mad Hatter Syndrome (mercury poisoning) was a serious problem. Milliners used a mercury solution when making felt, which meant they inhaled the metallic particles.

Obviously, the Red Queen represented the British monarchy; this character could also be symbolism for upper-class frivolity. At her whim, she’d have her servants hold croquet matches that had rules designed to serve the Queen. If something displeased her, the Red Queen announced, “Off with her head!” In Victorian England, the monarchy was criticized due to the mental instability of Queen Victoria.

Carroll created a rich story filled with vibrant, memorable characters. By showing how Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Red Queen acted and how they responded to everyday life in Wonderland, he allows readers to explore 19^th century Britain. Hidden within this classic fantasy is reality. “Will you, won’t you, will you won’t you” (Carroll 111) join this history lesson?    

                                                                     Works Cited

Brown, Mark. "19th Centurty British Pamphlets ." n.d. britishpamphlets. eBook. 11 Feburary 2013.

Carroll, Lewis. "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland ." Carroll, Lewis. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. New York: Anness Publishing Limited, 1995. 13-137. Book.

Connealy, Leigh Erin MD. The Mad Hatter Syndrome: mercury and biological toxicity. 6 Janurary 2006. website. 11 Feburary 2013.

www.englishmonarchs.co.uk . The House Of Hanover: Victoria . 2005. website. 11 Feburary 2013.