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Allegory
Definition of Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to animals or other non-human things (including objects, plants, and supernatural beings). Some famous examples of anthropomorphism include Winnie the Pooh, the Little Engine... read full definition
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to animals or other non-human things (including objects, plants, and supernatural beings). Some famous examples of anthropomorphism include Winnie... read full definition
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to animals or other non-human things (including objects, plants, and supernatural beings). Some famous... read full definition
Chapter 1 - Down the Rabbit-Hole
Explanation and Analysis—The Rabbit & Caterpillar:
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland abounds with anthropomorphism. Nearly every animal looks and behaves like a human, which helps reinforce the novel's theme of absurdity and encourages the reader to question the nature of its reality. In Chapter 1, the Rabbit takes on human attributes of speech and dress:
the Rabbit [said] to itself, “Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!” [...] the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on[...]
The first glimpse of Wonderland comes in the form of a white rabbit dressed in a waistcoat. Alice, intrigued by his human dress and facility of speech, pursues him until she tumbles down the rabbit hole and begins her adventures.
The Caterpillar in Chapter 5 likewise takes on human qualities; he speaks and has a hookah pipe:
The Caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in silence: at last the Caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth, and addressed her in a languid, sleepy voice.
"Who are you?" said the Caterpillar.
Carroll's vivid description makes it very easy to picture the Caterpillar, despite the absurdity of its existence. The Caterpillar closely resembles a disapproving old man who does not understand or sympathize with Alice's plight. His smoking habit, small stature, and languid voice combine to create a weird and whimsical character.
Despite the animals' human characteristics, Alice feels a sense of alienation from them. They speak clearly to her but their words make little sense. For example, she does not understand what exactly the White Rabbit is late for. Nor can she manage to explain her situation satisfactorily to the Caterpillar, who insists that she will get used to the strangeness of Wonderland in good time.
Related Themes:
Chapter 5 - Advice from a Caterpillar
Explanation and Analysis—The Rabbit & Caterpillar:
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland abounds with anthropomorphism. Nearly every animal looks and behaves like a human, which helps reinforce the novel's theme of absurdity and encourages the reader to question the nature of its reality. In Chapter 1, the Rabbit takes on human attributes of speech and dress:
the Rabbit [said] to itself, “Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!” [...] the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on[...]
The first glimpse of Wonderland comes in the form of a white rabbit dressed in a waistcoat. Alice, intrigued by his human dress and facility of speech, pursues him until she tumbles down the rabbit hole and begins her adventures.
The Caterpillar in Chapter 5 likewise takes on human qualities; he speaks and has a hookah pipe:
The Caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in silence: at last the Caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth, and addressed her in a languid, sleepy voice.
"Who are you?" said the Caterpillar.
Carroll's vivid description makes it very easy to picture the Caterpillar, despite the absurdity of its existence. The Caterpillar closely resembles a disapproving old man who does not understand or sympathize with Alice's plight. His smoking habit, small stature, and languid voice combine to create a weird and whimsical character.
Despite the animals' human characteristics, Alice feels a sense of alienation from them. They speak clearly to her but their words make little sense. For example, she does not understand what exactly the White Rabbit is late for. Nor can she manage to explain her situation satisfactorily to the Caterpillar, who insists that she will get used to the strangeness of Wonderland in good time.
Related Themes:
