Which of these lines from Through the Looking-Glass best illustrates Lewis Carroll’s use of opposites in the novel?

“I think I'll go and meet her,” said Alice, for, though the flowers were interesting enough, she felt that it would be far grander to have a talk with a real Queen.
“Where do you come from?” said the Red Queen. “And where are you going? Look up, speak nicely, and don't twiddle your fingers all the time.”
“When you say ‘hill,’” the Queen interrupted, “I could show you hills, in comparison with which you'd call that a valley.”
Alice curtseyed again, as she was afraid from the Queen's tone that she was a LITTLE offended: and they walked on in silence till they got to the top of the little hill.

1 answer

The line that best illustrates Lewis Carroll's use of opposites in "Through the Looking-Glass" is:

“When you say ‘hill,’” the Queen interrupted, “I could show you hills, in comparison with which you'd call that a valley.”

This line embodies the idea of opposites by contrasting the concept of "hill" with the idea of "valley," suggesting that there are varying degrees of height and perspective. It emphasizes the theme of relativity, which is prevalent throughout the novel, where situations, characters, and concepts are often viewed differently depending on one's perspective. This interplay of contrasting ideas enhances the surreal and whimsical nature of Carroll's world.