“If something is there, you can only see it with your eyes open,
but if it isn’t there, you can see it just as well with your eyes closed.
That is why imaginary things are often easier to see than real ones.”
Norton Juster
“Rêverie”, L. 68 (Arr. for Orchestra) (Instrumental) by Claude Debussy, performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra (courtesy of Habichiwoowoo):
“One of the deep secrets of life is that all, that is really
worth the doing, is what we do for others.”
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson
“Préludes Book 1: No. 8, La fille aux cheveux de lin” by Claude Debussy, performed by Yuri Serov (courtesy of Naxos Music):
Alice in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll
1832 – 1898
When Oxford mathematics lecturer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson went picnicking one summer day with his Dean’s three children, he spun a little tale that he added to on subsequent occasions. The girls liked it so much that the middle child, Alice, who was Dodgson’s favourite, asked him to write it down, and so he did, calling it “Alice Adventures in Underground.” It is the wildly inventive story of a young girl who, feeling bored one afternoon in a meadow, follows a talking rabbit (dressed in a waistcoat and consulting a pocket watch) into a rabbit hole. Down she falls to a very strange place, where she is entangled in a string of “curiouser and curiouser” adventures none of which make any sense at all, yet it was described at the time as “the most enchanting nonsense in the English language.”
Courtesy of The Cogito:
“The Cat only grinned when it saw Alice. It looked good-natured, she thought: still it had very long claws and a great many teeth, so she felt that it ought to be treated with respect.”
Taking pills and drinking potions, she shrinks and grows, swims across a pool of her own tears, and meets one of the most fascinating and unforgettable casts of characters ever concocted: the Caterpillar and the Dodo, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts.
Courtesy of Life Is A Story:
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
The Queen of Hearts: “Off with her head!”
Free of any moralising or didacticism of any kind, Dodgson’s narrative floats freely on the intoxicating air of his whimsy and wordplay.
“Reverie” by John Williams:
The real Alice who inspired Lewis Carroll’s book.
Three years after Alice Liddell asked him to write it down, Dodgson’s book was published with the title changed to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and the author’s name disguised as Lewis Carroll. The year was 1865. In the sequel Through the Looking Glass, Alice joins a game on a giant chessboard, discovers the poem “Jabberwocky,” and encounters Tweedledum and Tweedledee, and other characters appeared in 1872.
Carroll’s characters have taken root in our collective imagination like few other literary creations. Perhaps of its nonsensical pedigree, it has proved to be an addictive pleasure for readers attracted by the rich mix of frivolities, hallucinatory happenings, logical puzzles, and keen adult observations. Carroll’s imagery, phrases, and characters have not only been attached to myriad toys and games but continue to enliven the language in everything from rock and roll lyrics to ordinary conversation. Most remarkably, although the Alice books date from the nineteenth century and are as engrained in our culture as any stories ever told, they remain as fresh as the day they were written, delighting new readers every day of every year. There have been many film adaptations made of Alice’s adventures and many more will be made.
Courtesy of kingedmundpevensie:
“Only A Dream” by Danny Elfman (from Alice in Wonderland score):
Here is an extract from Alice in Wonderland:
“Oh, I’ve had such a curious dream,” said Alice, and she told her sister, as well as she could remember them, all these strange Adventures of hers that you have just been reading about; and when she had finished, her sister kissed her, and said, ‘It was a curious dream, certainly; but now run in to your tea: it’s getting late.’ So Alice got up and ran off thinking while she ran, as well she might, what a wonderful dream it had been.
But her sister sat still just as she left her, leaning her head on her hand, watching the setting sun, and thinking of little Alice and all her wonderful Adventures, till she too began dreaming after a fashion, and this was her dream –
First, she dreamed of little Alice herself, and once again the tiny hands were clasped upon her knee, and the bright eager eyes were looking up into hers – she could hear the very tones of her voice and see that queer little toss of her head to keep back the wandering hair that would always get into her eyes – and still as she listened, or seem to listen, the whole place around her became alive with the strange creatures of her little sister’s dream.
The Duchess and the Pig-Baby
The long grass rustled at her feet as the White Rabbit hurried by – the frightened Mouse splashed his way through the neighbouring pool – she could hear the rattle of the teacups as the March Hare and his friends shared their never-ending meal, and the shrill voice of the Queen ordering off her unfortunate guests to execution – once more the pig-baby was sneezing on the Duchess’s knee, while plates and dishes crashed around it – once more the shriek of the Gryphon, the squeaking of the Lizard’s slate-pencil, and the choking of the suppressed guinea-pigs, filled the air, mixed up with the distant sobs of the miserable Mock Turtle.
So she sat on with closed eyes, and half believed herself in Wonderland, though she knew she had but to open them again and all would change to dull reality – the grass would only be rustling in the wind, and the pool rippling to the waving of the reeds – the rattling teacups would change to the tinkling sheep bells, and the Queen’s shrill cries to the voice of the shepherd boy – and the sneeze of the baby, the shriek of the Gryphon, and all the other queer noises, would change (she knew) to the confused clamour of the busy farmyard – while the lowing cattle in the distance would take place of the Mock Turtle’s heavy sobs.
Lastly, she pictured to herself how this same little sister of hers would, in the after-time, be herself a grown-up woman; and how she would keep, through all her riper years, the simple and loving heart of her childhood; and how she would gather about her other little children, and make their eyes bright and eager with many a strange tale, perhaps even with the dream of Wonderland of long ago; and how she would feel with all their simple sorrows, and find pleasure in all their simple joys, remembering her own child-life, and the happy summer days.”
Courtesy of Pogo:
To assist in exploring Wonderland (courtesy of David Day Books):
naturetails 
Such a great post, Joanna!
I enjoyed every word of it, as well as the superb images, music, and videos.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Luisa, for the wonderful comments, which I love and greatly appreciate!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting. Joanne, why did the author use a different pen name? I don’t think I read that in this post. To be honest, this is not a story I’ve ever enjoyed. I’m always amazed that it is so popular. Thank you for your post.
LikeLike
Thank you, Monica, for your honest comment, which I appreciate.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marvellous story, Joanna. I still really like the Disney cartoons.
LikeLike
Thank you, Pat, for your lovely comments, which I greatly appreciate!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Joanna, 🙏🌹
Your writing feels like stepping into a soft, golden twilight where imagination breathes more freely than reality. The way you have woven Norton Juster’s insight, Debussy’s music, and Carroll’s dreamscape into one seamless stream of reverie is nothing short of enchanting. It feels as though you have not merely described Wonderland, but quietly opened a door into it.
You remind us that imagination is not an escape from life but a deeper way of seeing it eyes open or closed. Your reflections on Alice, her dream, and Carroll’s timeless characters carry a warmth that lingers, like the last notes of a fading piano prelude.
What touched me most is how you highlighted the enduring innocence of Alice and her sister the way childhood memories keep glowing like lanterns long after the moment has passed. Your prose captures that rare tenderness where nostalgia meets wonder.
Thank you for creating a piece that not only celebrates a classic, but also brings back the simple, forgotten truth:
that every great story is ultimately a mirror in which we see our own lost childhood smiling back at us.
Warm regards,
Vijay
LikeLike
Goodness, dear Vijay, you have me again spellbound with your extraordinary comments, which I love and deeply appreciate! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You made my day!
Joanna
LikeLike
I am amazed how often these children’s stories begin as entertainment for the author’s child. A true vision of love that becomes a popular book. I recall mostly the Disney film version of this book, but have seen bits and pieces of the TV versions. Have a great day Joanna. Allan
LikeLike
Thank you, Allan, for your perceptive comments, which I greatly appreciate.
Joanna
LikeLike
Bery welcome, Joanna.
LikeLike
Thank you again, Pat!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Memories of my long-ago childhood in England. I was taken to see Alice in Wonderland and Alice through the Looking Glass at the pantomime. I suppose all children are enchanted. I admit I haven’t thought much about it since, so it was nice to revisit it here and to realise the wisdom in it. I never saw the films but I can see they were colourful and entertaining. It’s interesting how timeless many of these stories are. At school I was the knave of hearts, wearing a costume my mother made for me! As always I enjoyed your post. Many thanks!
LikeLike
Brilliant, clever, engrossing and highly entertaining books. They are magical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Neil, for the wonderful comments, which I love!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
💚💛
LikeLike
Thank you for the kind comment, which is greatly appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLike
Joanna, when I was a child, my father teased me, calling me “Chessie Cat” and saying I smiled like a Cheshire Cat until I was in tears, and then he laughed at me. The teasing made me self-conscious about my smile for years.
I guess I was in junior high school before I saw the famous illustration of the cat in the tree and discovered Alice in Wonderland. I wouldn’t say that it ever became my favorite book, but by reading, I became familiar with the characters, and this took the sting out of my father’s teasing.
My mother sometimes mentioned “Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee,” and now I knew who they were. I guess my Mother must have read the book when she was young.
I enjoyed the well-chosen music in this post, especially the Debussy selections, and it was fun comparing all the different movie portrayals of Alice and the other characters.
LikeLike
Thank you, Cheryl, for your wonderfully informative comments, which I love and greatly appreciate!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous account and review of the famous story of Alice, Joanna!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Indira, for the wonderful comments, which I greatly appreciate!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
My absolute childhood favorite books! Thank you for featuring them Joanna!
LikeLike
Thank you, Dorothy, for the wonderful comments, which I love!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so very welcome as always , Joanna!!💖
LikeLike
Thank you, dear Luisa!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLike
Thank you!
Joanna x
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Joanna, for choosing classic works week after week, and this time Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
It’s truly surprising that a mathematician like Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, who wrote under the pen name Lewis Carroll, could create such a magical and enduring children’s classic.
This is one of the most successful children’s books of all time, and even more than 150 years later, it continues to be read with the same enthusiasm, not just by children, but by adults as well. Just the day before yesterday, I had shared how a book never truly grows old if it continues to be read.
I especially loved the phrase you used for this book: “the most enchanting nonsense in the English language”, a description that perfectly fits a story that still captivates readers worldwide. Alice’s journey through a world where logic dissolves is endlessly fascinating.
The very premise draws the reader in, inviting them to explore deeper. I also appreciate how beautifully you have explained the child’s struggle to make sense of Wonderland, right from falling down a rabbit hole to the bewildering experiences of growing and shrinking, the mad tea party, and the chaotic croquet game ruled by the tyrannical Queen of Hearts.
The opening quote by Norton Juster was truly thought-provoking and perfectly suited to the story. As always, your carefully chosen images, audio, and videos kept me engaged throughout. Thanks again, Joanna, for yet another marvellous post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Kaushal, for the wonderful and uplifting comments, which I love and deeply appreciate! You have pinpointed all the important points in my post, and I cannot thank you enough!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Joanna, for your kind words! It’s truly my pleasure to read such wonderful posts. You’re most welcome! Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Thank you, Kaushal, for being so kind!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful and magical collection of words and ideas. It feels like you’ve woven a tapestry connecting the nature of dreams, the purpose of art, and the enduring legacy of a story born from pure love and imagination.
The quote from Norton Juster perfectly sets the stage, reminding us that the most vivid realities are often the ones we create in our minds. Then, to transition into the ethereal music of Debussy—a composer who literally painted with sound—is simply inspired. It prepares the soul for the journey into Wonderland.
And what a journey it is. The story of how a shy mathematician created a timeless gift for a little girl named Alice is a powerful testament to the fact that the most profound and lasting things we do are indeed “what we do for others.” Charles Dodgson gave Alice Liddell a story, but in doing so, he gave the world a permanent home for wonder, nonsense, and the wild, curious heart of childhood.
The final excerpt you shared, where Alice’s sister keeps the dream alive by dreaming it herself and then imagines Alice passing it on to future children, is the most heartfelt part of all. It speaks to how stories connect us, how they are kept alive not just in books, but in the hearts of one generation after another.
Thank you for this, Joanna. It’s a truly lovely and thoughtful post that feels like a quiet moment of wonder in a busy world. It reminds us to keep our own hearts open to the curious, the imaginary, and the beautifully nonsensical.
LikeLike
Thanks Joanna for coming up with yet another classic ,Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland! As aptly pointed out by another reader of your creation, “this is one of the most successful children’s books of all time, and even more than 150 years later, it continues to be read with the same enthusiasm, not just by children, but by grown ups as well”.In fact even today I read these adventures with the same child-like curiosity as I used to do in my school days!I personnally think we must keep the child in us always alive in order to enjoy special moments of innocence: free from guilt or moral wrong!Like ever I enjoy the audio orchestra & great videos you include in your amazing works!Thaks for sharing ,Joanna !Namaste.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Dhirendra, for the wonderful comments, which are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure 🙏
LikeLike
An excellent article that combines literature, music, and history to showcase the magic and enduring relevance of Alice in Wonderland. You highlight how the imaginary can be as real as the visible, and how Carroll’s work continues to illuminate generations with its fantasy, wit, and creative freedom. A profound and enchanting journey through a classic that never ceases to amaze.
Have a wonderful day, Joanna.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Lincol, for the wonderfully analytical comments, which are very much appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
With pleasure, Joanna! I’m glad to know my comments are helpful and that you appreciate them.
Thank you for your kindness and for sharing.
LikeLike
You are welcome, Lincol, and thank you.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person