1. Nonsense Words: The poem is filled with invented words like "Jabberwocky," "slithy," "mimsy," "frumious," and "Jubjub." These nonsensical terms create a world where meaning is fluid and dependent on context.
2. Unconventional Grammar: Lewis Carroll often plays with grammar, using unexpected word order and structures that break traditional English rules. This disrupts the reader's expectations and makes the poem feel more like a riddle than a straightforward narrative.
3. Symbolic Language: Although the poem is nonsensical on the surface, it contains layers of symbolism and allegory. The "Jabberwocky" and its associated creatures can be interpreted as representing various aspects of life, from childhood fears to the dangers of the unknown.
4. Allusion and Intertextuality: Carroll draws on existing literary and cultural references, such as the ballad tradition and the epic "Beowulf," but he twists them in ways that make them unfamiliar and disorienting.
5. Dreamlike Atmosphere: The poem's bizarre imagery and chaotic events contribute to a dreamlike atmosphere. This sense of unreality makes it difficult to grasp the poem's meaning in a literal or straightforward way.
6. Ambiguity: The poem's ending is open to multiple interpretations. The reader is left to decide the significance of the victory over the Jabberwocky and the meaning of the "Jubjub bird" and the "Bandersnatch."
In summary, "Jabberwocky" is difficult to understand initially because it challenges our understanding of language, grammar, and meaning. It creates a world of imaginative absurdity that forces us to engage with the poem on a deeper, more metaphorical level. While the poem may initially seem nonsensical, its complexity and hidden meaning make it a fascinating and enduring work of literature.