“The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll: Analysis

1. ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
2. Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
3. All mimsy were the borogoves,
4. And the mome raths outgrabe.

• “Beware the Jabberwock, my son
• The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
• Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
• The frumious Bandersnatch!”

• He took his vorpal sword in hand;
• Long time the manxome foe he sought—
• So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
• And stood awhile in thought.

1. And, as in uffish thought he stood,
2. The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
3. Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
4. And burbled as it came!

1. One, two! One, two! And through and through
2. The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
3. He left it dead, and with its head
4. He went galumphing back.

1. “And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
2. Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
3. frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
4. He chortled in his joy.

1. ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
2. Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
3. All mimsy were the borogoves,
4. And the mome raths outgrabe.

Introduction

Written by Lewis Carroll, “The Jabberwocky” got published first in his famous novel, Through the Looking-Glass. The novel first appeared in 1871. The novel including this poem won instantly popularity. Through its surreal and nonsensical language captivating readers and critics alike, it became a children classic. However, initially it was almost dismissed for its gibberish quality. Yet, this poem “The Jabberwocky” has endured a long fame of being an influential work in English Literature. Its unique style, which mixes real and imaginary worlds, has inspired countless imitations and parodies.

Annotations of “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

1. “brillig” (line 1) is a nonsensical word invented by the author to describe a time of day, likely around dusk or evening.
2. “slithy toves” (line 1) is a nonsense phrase used to describe imaginary creatures that move in a fluid or snakelike manner.
3. “gyre and gimble” (line 2) are nonsensical words used to describe the movement of the slithy toves.
4. “wabe” (line 2) is a nonsense word used to describe a grassy area or meadow.
5. “mimsy” (line 3) is a nonsensical adjective used to describe the borogoves, another imaginary creature.
6. “borogoves” (line 3) are imaginary creatures that are never described but are thought to be similar to the slithy toves.
7. “mome raths” (line 4) is another imaginary creature that is never described.
8. “outgrabe” (line 4) is a nonsense verb that describes the noise made by the mome raths.
9. “Beware the Jabberwock, my son!” (line 5) is a warning given to the reader about a dangerous creature called the Jabberwock.
10. “The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!” (line 6) is a description of the Jabberwock’s physical features.
11. “Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun” (line 7) is another warning about a dangerous bird.
12. “The frumious Bandersnatch!” (line 8) is a description of another dangerous creature that the reader should avoid.
13. “He took his vorpal sword in hand” (line 9) describes the protagonist of the poem picking up a magical sword.
14. “Long time the manxome foe he sought” (line 10) describes the protagonist searching for the Jabberwock.
15. “So rested he by the Tumtum tree” (line 11) describes the protagonist taking a break by a tree with a strange name.
16. “And stood awhile in thought.” (line 12) suggests that the protagonist is thinking about his next move.
17. “And, as in uffish thought he stood,” (line 13) suggests that the protagonist is deep in thought and perhaps feeling anxious or uncertain.
18. “The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,” (line 14) describes the creature that the protagonist has been searching for.
19. “Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,” (line 15) describes the Jabberwock’s movement through the forest.
20. “And burbled as it came!” (line 16) describes the sound made by the Jabberwock as it moves through the forest.

Literary and Poetic Devices in “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

Literary Device	Reference from the poem	Explanation of the verse with reference to the literary device
Alliteration	“Did gyre and gimble in the wabe” (line 2)	The repeated /g/ sound in “gyre” and “gimble” creates an alliterative effect.
Allusion	“Beware the Jabberwock, my son! / The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!” (lines 5-6)	The reference to the legendary creature, Jabberwock, adds depth and meaning to the text and allows the reader to make connections with other works.
Anaphora	“He left it dead, and with its head / He went galumphing back” (lines 19-20)	The repetition of the phrase “He” creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes the action of the hero.
Assonance	“Frabious day, callooh! callay!” (lines 23)	The sound of /a/ in the words creates a playful and whimsical tone to the language.
Consonance	“The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!” (line 6)	The repetition of the sound of /t/ and /c/ creates a sharp and biting effect, which adds to the fearsome description of the Jabberwock.
Hyperbole	“The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame” (line 14)	The exaggeration of the Jabberwock’s eyes creates a sense of excitement and can be used to create a humorous tone.
Imagery	“All mimsy were the borogoves, / And the mome raths outgrabe” (lines 3-4)	The vivid language used in describing the strange creatures creates a rich and vivid world for the reader.
Irony	The hero slays the fearsome monster with ease as in ““And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?”	The contrast between what is expected and what actually happens creates a sense of surprise and can be used for comedic effect.
Metaphor	“vorpal sword” (line 9)	The comparison of the sword to the adjective “vorpal” creates a sense of mystery and adds depth to the language.
Onomatopoeia	“snicker-snack” (line 18)	The use of onomatopoeia creates a sense of playfulness and can be used for comedic effect.
Oxymoron	“jubjub bird” (line 7)	The combination of contradictory terms creates a sense of whimsy and can be used to create memorable phrases.
Personification	“The Jabberwock, with jaws that bite, and claws that catch” (lines 5-6)	The giving of human characteristics to the monster creates a sense of danger and adds to the story’s tension.
Repetition	“Beware the Jabberwock” (lines 5, 7)	The repetition of the warning phrase creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the importance of the warning.
Symbolism	“vorpal sword” (line 9)	The use of the sword as a symbol of the hero’s strength and skill creates a sense of mystery and adds depth to the language.
Tone	Playful and whimsical language	The attitude or emotion conveyed by the language of the poem creates a sense of fun and can make the poem more enjoyable to read.
Wordplay	“frabjous” and “chortle” (lines 23-24)	The use of made-up words creates a sense of playfulness and adds to the poem’s whimsical tone.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	“brillig,” “slithy,” “toves” (lines 1 and 25)	Emphasizes the sound of the repeated initial consonant sounds, creating a musical or rhythmic effect that draws the reader’s attention to those words. In this case, it adds to the fanciful, nonsensical tone of the poem.
Assonance	“gyre” and “gimble” (line 2)	Similar to alliteration, but with repeated vowel sounds instead of consonant sounds. It creates a musical effect and helps tie the words together thematically. In this case, the repetition of the “i” sound mimics the sound of the creatures’ movement.
Consonance	“frumious Bandersnatch” (line 8)	The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words. It helps create a musical effect and can emphasize certain words or phrases. In this case, the repetition of the “m” and “s” sounds adds to the ominous and mysterious tone of the creatures’ names.
End Rhyme	“wabe” and “outgrabe” (lines 2 and 4)	The repetition of the same sounds at the end of lines. It creates a sense of closure or finality at the end of each line and can also create a musical or rhythmic effect. In this case, it helps create the whimsical, nonsensical tone of the poem.
Rhyme Scheme	ABAB	The pattern of end rhymes in a poem. It can create a sense of structure and unity within the poem. In this case, the poem follows a quatrain or four-line stanza with an ABAB rhyme scheme, which adds to the poem’s musicality and rhythmic flow.
Diction	“vorpal sword” (line 9)	The choice of words and phrasing in a poem. It can help create a particular tone or mood and convey the poem’s themes or ideas. In this case, the use of “vorpal” (a made-up word) adds to the fantastical and imaginary tone of the poem.
Verse Type	Iambic tetrameter	The structure of the poem in terms of the meter or rhythm of the verse. “The Jabberwocky” follows an iambic tetrameter, which means each line has four iambic feet, creating a steady, rhythmic flow throughout the poem.
Stanza Type	Quatrain	A group of four lines in a poem that are separated from other groups by a blank line or indentation. “The Jabberwocky” follows a quatrain or four-line stanza, which provides a clear sense of structure and unity within the poem.
Poem Type	Narrative poem	A poem that tells a story. “The Jabberwocky” is a narrative poem that tells the story of a hero’s journey to defeat a fearsome creature.
Tone	Whimsical, nonsensical	The emotional quality of the language in a poem, often conveyed through the author’s choice of words and the use of literary devices. The tone of “The Jabberwocky” is whimsical and nonsensical, contributing to its fantastical and imaginative atmosphere.

Functions of Literary Devices in “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

1. Create a unique and imaginative world: The use of literary devices in “The Jabberwocky” contributes to the creation of a unique and imaginative world. By using made-up words or neologisms and phrases, such as “slithy,” “borogoves,” and “mome raths,” the poem creates a sense of whimsy and nonsensicality that transports the reader to a fantastical land. These made-up words, while unintelligible at first, take on meaning through the context in which they are used, and create a rich and vivid world unlike anything else in literature. The use of literary devices is key to the poem’s ability to create a world that is both strange and wondrous.
2. Add musicality and rhythm: The poem’s use of literary devices also adds to its musicality and rhythm. The use of alliteration, repetition, and rhyme creates a pleasant and pleasing sound that engages the reader’s ears and adds to the overall tone of the poem. For example, the repeated “s” sounds in “slithy” and “gyre” and the repeated “m” sounds in “mimsy” and “mome” create a musical quality that is both playful and fanciful. The poem’s musicality is an integral part of its appeal, and helps to draw the reader in and keep them engaged throughout the poem.
3. Engage the reader’s imagination: The use of imagery and figurative language in “The Jabberwocky” is key to engaging the reader’s imagination. By using vivid and imaginative descriptions, such as the “eyes of flame” of the Jabberwock, the poem helps the reader visualize the fantastical creatures and settings that are being described. This engages the reader’s imagination and creates a sense of wonder and enchantment that is unique to the world of the poem.
4. Communicate deeper meanings: While “The Jabberwocky” is a playful and fanciful poem, it also contains deeper meanings that are communicated through the use of literary devices. For example, the metaphorical “vorpal sword” can be seen as a representation of the power of words and language. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the importance of language and its ability to shape reality. The use of figurative language in the poem creates layers of meaning that invite the reader to explore and interpret the poem in different ways.

Themes in “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

1. The Power of Imagination: One of the main themes in “The Jabberwocky” is the power of imagination. The poem is filled with fantastical creatures, made-up words, and imaginative descriptions that transport the reader to a magical realm. This theme is reinforced through lines such as “And, as in uffish thought he stood,” which suggests the power of thought and imagination. The poem encourages readers to explore their own imaginations and embrace the whimsical and fantastical.
2. The Importance of Language: Another theme in “The Jabberwocky” is the importance of language. The poem is full of made-up words and phrases, which highlight the power of language to create and shape meaning. This theme is reinforced through lines such as “He took his vorpal sword in hand,” which suggests that words and language can have a physical impact. The poem encourages readers to consider the power of language and its ability to shape reality.
3. The Hero’s Journey: “The Jabberwocky” can also be seen as a story of the hero’s journey. The protagonist sets out to slay a fearsome monster and, after a perilous battle, emerges victorious. This theme is reinforced through lines such as “He left it dead, and with its head he went galumphing back,” which suggests the triumph of the hero. The poem encourages readers to consider the challenges and triumphs of their own journeys.
4. Nonsense and Absurdity: Finally, “The Jabberwocky” is a celebration of nonsense and absurdity. The poem is full of made-up words and phrases that defy logic and reason, and this theme is reinforced through lines such as “All mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe.” The poem encourages readers to embrace the nonsensical and to find joy in the absurd.

Literary Theories and “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

Literary Theory	Explanation	Application to “Jabberwocky”
Reader-Response Theory	Emphasizes the reader’s role in creating meaning based on their unique experiences and knowledge.	“Jabberwocky” invites readers to decode its nonsense words, leading to personalized interpretations.
Formalism	Focuses on a text’s form (language, structure, style) and how these elements shape meaning.	A formalist analysis would examine the playful use of neologisms (made-up words), unique structure, and how these create the poem’s effect.
Postmodernism	Challenges traditional notions of meaning and fixed truths. Sees texts as inherently playful and self-aware.	“Jabberwocky” aligns with postmodernism in its subversion of standard language, its use of absurdity, and its lack of a single definitive meaning.
Feminist Theory	Explores how gender and power dynamics are represented within a text.	While “Jabberwocky” lacks overtly feminist themes, a feminist reading could examine its male protagonist, reflecting traditional gender roles, and how gender shapes power within the poem.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

1. Topic: The significance of wordplay in “The Jabberwocky.”

Question: How does Lewis Carroll use made-up words and language to create meaning in “The Jabberwocky”?

Thesis statement: Through the use of invented language, Lewis Carroll creates a playful and imaginative world in “The Jabberwocky” that invites readers to participate in the process of creating meaning.

• Topic: The role of heroism in “The Jabberwocky.”

Question: How does the hero’s journey archetype inform the plot and themes of “The Jabberwocky”?

Thesis statement: The hero’s journey archetype is a central element of “The Jabberwocky,” and serves to illustrate the importance of courage, determination, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

• Topic: The representation of power in “The Jabberwocky.”

Question: How is power and agency represented in “The Jabberwocky”?

Thesis statement: Through the depiction of the protagonist’s journey to slay the Jabberwock, “The Jabberwocky” explores the theme of power and agency, and highlights the importance of individual action in the face of danger.

• Topic: The influence of “The Jabberwocky” on popular culture.

Question: How has “The Jabberwocky” influenced contemporary popular culture?

Thesis statement: “The Jabberwocky” has had a significant impact on popular culture, from its influence on language and wordplay to its use in films, television shows, and other media.

Short Question-Answer about “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

Question 1: How does “The Jabberwocky” reflect the concept of linguistic relativity?

Answer: “The Jabberwocky” reflects the concept of linguistic relativity by demonstrating how language and culture shape our perception and understanding of the world around us. The poem employs a language that is intentionally nonsensical, with invented words and phrases that require readers to actively engage in the process of meaning-making. By doing so, Carroll highlights the idea that language is not simply a tool for communication, but also a means of shaping our thoughts and experiences. For example, the poem’s use of nonsense words like “slithy toves” and “borogoves” challenges readers to consider how our understanding of words and concepts is influenced by cultural and linguistic conventions.

Question 2: How does “The Jabberwocky” illustrate the concept of literary nonsense?

Answer: “The Jabberwocky” is a classic example of literary nonsense, as it employs absurd language and situations to challenge traditional forms of storytelling and meaning-making. The poem’s use of invented words and phrases like “frabjous day” and “vorpal sword” creates a sense of playful irreverence towards traditional language and literature. Furthermore, the poem’s structure and form are intentionally unconventional, with irregular rhyme and meter that further emphasize its nonsensical nature. Through these techniques, “The Jabberwocky” challenges readers to question their assumptions about language, meaning, and the nature of storytelling itself.

Question 3: How does “The Jabberwocky” fit into the tradition of heroic epics?

Answer: “The Jabberwocky” can be seen as fitting into the tradition of heroic epics through its portrayal of a hero’s journey to defeat a monstrous foe. The protagonist’s quest to slay the Jabberwock can be seen as an archetype of the heroic journey, with the hero facing and overcoming obstacles and dangers in pursuit of a noble goal. Additionally, the poem’s use of epic language and structure, with its repeated refrain of “’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves,” creates a sense of grandeur and weightiness that is often associated with epic poetry. However, the poem’s playful and irreverent tone, as well as its use of nonsense language, also subverts and challenges the conventions of the heroic epic tradition.

Question 4: How does “The Jabberwocky” use humor and wordplay to explore deeper themes?

Answer: “The Jabberwocky” uses humor and wordplay as a means of exploring deeper themes, such as the nature of language, the power of imagination, and the importance of individual agency. The poem’s playful language and nonsensical wordplay create a sense of whimsy and fun, but also serve to challenge readers to think more critically about the relationship between language and meaning. Additionally, the poem’s use of humor can be seen as a way of subverting traditional power structures and authority, as the protagonist is able to overcome the powerful Jabberwock through his own determination and skill. Overall, “The Jabberwocky” demonstrates how humor and wordplay can be used to explore complex themes and ideas in a way that is both accessible and engaging.

Suggested Readings: “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

General Analysis & Background

• Websites
  • Wikipedia: Jabberwocky (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabberwocky) – Good starting point for basic information and historical context.
  • The Lewis Carroll Society: Jabberwocky ([invalid URL removed]) – Offers insights, analysis, and links to further resources.

Books

• Gardner, Martin. The Annotated Alice: The Definitive Edition. W.W. Norton & Company, 2000. (Contains detailed notes and explanations of “Jabberwocky” within the context of Through the Looking-Glass)

Articles

• Empson, William. “Alice in Wonderland: The Child as Swain.” Some Versions of Pastoral. (Discusses “Jabberwocky” as a mock-heroic poem)
• Rackin, Donald. “Alice’s Journey to the End of Night”. PMLA, vol. 81, no. 5, 1966, pp. 313-326. (Offers a psychoanalytic reading of the poem)

Specific Areas of Exploration

• Linguistics and Wordplay:
  • Crystal, David. “‘Twas brillig…’ – The Lit Crit Jabberwock” Cambridge University Press Blog ([invalid URL removed]). (Analyzes the nonsense words and their structure)
• Humor & Parody:
  • Sutherland, John. “Is the Jabberwock a Joke?” Essays in Criticism, vol. 21, no. 3, 1971, pp. 232-243. (Examines how humor functions in the poem)