The Big And Small Of It All - 2443 Words

Carroll Carroll 6 The Big and Small of It All Lewis Carroll?s novel, Alice?s Adventures in Wonderland, has captivated readers for decades. From England?s Victorian Age to the present-day, Carroll?s work remains a priceless treasure for all who have fallen in love with Alice and become immersed in the world of Wonderland. Although Lewis Carroll?s Alice?s Adventures in Wonderland is classified as children?s fantasy, the novel also explores the difficulties adolescents face as they mature, including the emotional struggles of self-identity and physical maturity, loss of innocence, and an enduring conflict between childhood and adulthood. The central theme in Alice?s Adventure?s in Wonderland revolves around growing up and becoming an†¦show more content†¦Throughout the novel, Alice is unsure of what to expect with regard to her physical appearance and is constantly in a state of confusion over the dramatic changes in her body: ?How puzzling all these changes are! I?m never sure what I?m going to be, from one minute to another!? Alice is left disoriented as she undergoes physical changes in her body and wonders: ?if she was different from who she was before, who is she now4 Alice?s experiences in Wonderland show how adolescents, mainly women, are forced to adjust to unexpected changes and adapt to fit into the real world.5 The theme with Alice growing and shrinking into different sizes is relatable to many young women as they experience the ups and downs of adolescence.6 As Alice learns throughout her journey in Wonderland, discovering her true self is not always easy and can sometimes be quite intimidating. Two particularly frightening moments for Alice in this struggle are her encounters with the Caterpillar and with the Pigeon. The Caterpillar demands to know, ?Who are you, a question that both confuses and disturbs Alice because she does not even know the answer herself.7 Alice again shows uncertainty regarding her identity when asked by