Characters & Plot
* Fantasy and Surrealism: The story is inherently fantastical, with talking animals, illogical situations, and shifting realities. This creates a dreamlike atmosphere and allows for exploration of the absurd.
* Nonsense and Wordplay: Carroll uses nonsensical language, invented words, and plays on the sounds of words (puns) to create humor and challenge the reader's expectations.
* Allegory and Symbolism: While the story is primarily a fantasy, it can be interpreted as an allegory for growing up and the challenges of navigating the world. Characters, situations, and objects can be seen as symbolic representations of larger concepts.
* Juxtaposition and Contradiction: The story is full of contrasting elements, such as the whimsical and the serious, the logical and the illogical. This helps to create a sense of disorientation and confusion, reflecting Alice's own experience.
Structure & Language
* Frame Story: The story is framed within Alice's dream, providing a starting point for her fantastical journey.
* Dialogue and Interaction: The book is heavily reliant on dialogue, with characters constantly interacting and debating with each other. This allows for the exploration of different perspectives and the development of complex relationships.
* Imagery and Sensory Details: Carroll uses vivid imagery and sensory details to create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
* Rhyme and Rhythm: Carroll incorporates rhyme and rhythm in several of the poems and songs included in the story, adding a musical element.
Examples:
* "Curiouser and curiouser!" This refrain highlights the constant sense of wonder and bewilderment Alice experiences.
* The Mad Hatter's Tea Party: This iconic scene is full of nonsensical dialogue and absurd situations, illustrating the theme of illogicality and the breakdown of societal norms.
* The Queen of Hearts' "Off with their heads!" This phrase is a clear example of the story's dark humor and the unpredictable nature of the characters.
* The Cheshire Cat's disappearing act: This is a classic example of the book's use of fantasy and surrealism.
These are just a few examples of the many literary devices used in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Carroll's masterful use of language and imaginative storytelling makes the book a timeless classic that continues to enchant readers of all ages.