Alice in Wonderland

In the novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll depicts the world of Wonderland as an enchanting place where magical and fascinating things seem to happen. However despite its fairytale qualities, Wonderland comes across as a bit strange and unconventional fantasy land appropriate for that of a child’s imagination. In Wonderland, there are no charming human beings or friendly animals who sing along to cheerful tunes, as we see in most children’s story books. Instead, Wonderland is filled with curious creatures who tend to behave in a bizarre and peculiar manner. As Alice ventures out on her journey in Wonderland and comes into contact with these different creatures, she quickly realizes that politeness and good behavior is not responded to in a positive way. In spite of Alice’s attempts to be amiable and pleasant, the creatures of Wonderland continue to be rude to her, as well as to each other. Although Alice learns of Wonderland’s eccentricities shortly after falling into the rabbit hole, her first real experience of impudent behavior occurs when she encounters the blue caterpillar resting on the mushroom. Upon seeing Alice, the caterpillar bluntly asks “Who are you?” Rather surprised, Alice answers "I — I hardly know, Sir, just at present — at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then." Compared to all the other creatures Alice has met in wonderland, the caterpillar is the first creature who displays rude and negative behavior in such a direct manner. The way in which Alice responds demonstrates her confusion to the lack of social etiquette the caterpillar presents. At the beginning of her response, Alice’s hesitation is clearly shown through the tone of her voice. Though Alice continues on to exhibit respectful behavior towards the caterpillar by addressing him as “Sir”, her attempts at being polite become futile. The caterpillar’s attitude only