“Can you row?” the Sheep asked, handing her a pair of knitting-needles as she spoke.

Question

“Yes, a little – but not on land – and not with needles – ” Alice was beginning to say, when suddenly the needles turned into oars in her hands, and she found they were in a little boat, gliding along between banks: so there was nothing for it but to do her best. “Feather!” cried the Sheep, as she took up another pair of needles.

This didn't sound like a remark that needed any answer, so Alice said nothing, but pulled away.

—Through the Looking-Glass,
Lewis Carroll

How do Alice’s actions reveal Lewis Carroll’s tone of acceptance in this nonsense world?

She finds herself in a rowboat with a sheep.
She questions why the Sheep cries “Feather!”
She keeps on when the Sheep cries “Feather!”
She refuses to row with knitting needles.

Answer 1

Alice's actions in this excerpt from Through the Looking-Glass illustrate Lewis Carroll's tone of acceptance in the absurd world he presents. Here’s how her responses align with this tone:

1. She finds herself in a rowboat with a sheep: Instead of expressing surprise or horror at being in a nonsensical situation with a sheep, Alice simply adapts to her new environment. This acceptance of the bizarre scenario reflects a general theme of accepting the illogical nature of her surroundings.

2. She questions why the Sheep cries “Feather!”: While Alice does exhibit a degree of curiosity about the Sheep's unexpected exclamation, her questioning doesn't lead to frustration or disbelief. Instead, it shows her willingness to engage with the nonsensical logic of the world around her, indicating that she is open to the absurdities rather than rejecting them.

3. She keeps on when the Sheep cries “Feather!”: Alice’s decision to continue rowing despite the strange command illustrates her acceptance of the whimsical and often arbitrary nature of communication in this world. Rather than questioning the meaning or practicality of the Sheep's cry, she chooses to simply abide by the moment, embracing the nonsensical flow of the experience.

4. She refuses to row with knitting needles: This moment shows a spark of rationality in Alice, as she indicates her understanding of practicality in rowing. However, when the knitting needles transform into oars, Alice shifts her mindset accordingly. Instead of resisting or expressing frustration, she adjusts her actions to fit the flow of the situation, once again reflecting her acceptance of the nonsensical logic that permeates her experiences.

Overall, Alice's behavior demonstrates a resilience and adaptability that mirrors the acceptance of absurdity prevalent in Carroll's writing. Rather than seeking to impose her own logic on an illogical world, she navigates it with a sense of flexibility, embodying the playful nature of nonsense literature.