"It is no accident that the grotesque style in literature tends to be prevalent in eras marked by radical change and stress. Such was the Victorian period, within which a whirl of social, economic, and religious change took place . . ." (Chang par. 2). This distorted writing can be unquestionably seen in the works of Lewis Carroll, namely his world famous pieces, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There (commonly known as "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass"). In several instances throughout the Alice books, Carroll mocks Victorian lifestyle. These parodies can be seen in Victorian growth and self-discovery, inventions, education, nutrition and drugs, and social classes.

The Victorian times were that of self-discovery and seeking order in the universe, so naturally it makes sense when Alice is not really sure of who she is. The Caterpillar cannot accept Alice's lack of self-awareness when she states that she is unsure of whom she is.

"Who are you?" said the Caterpillar. This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. Alice replied, rather shyly, "I -- I hardly know, Sir, just at pres

Wonderland." The Victorian Web (1995): four paragraphs. On-line. Internet. 18 April 2000.

Dean, Cathy. "Alice - Mutton: Mutton - Alice: Social Parody in the Alice Books."

Available: http://www.landlow.stg.brown.edu/victorian/carroll/polisner.html

Polisner, Susan. "Victorian Growth and Self-Discovery in Alice's Adventures in

Education plays a large role in the characterization of Alice as well as to our view of Victorian England. Alice refers to her lessons throughout the Alice books, many times very pleased with the facts that she could recall. (Lee par. 2) The only thing is, the information she manage to remember is usually useless in the situation she is in. "For example, although she can remember how many miles down until the center of the earth, she mistakenly believes that everything will be upside down when she passes through to the other side" (Lee par. 2). Alice's knowledge consists of mainly morals about obedience and safety, which mirrors the Victorian child's education of school spirit and improving character. The goal of Victorian lessons was to morph the student into a Christian lady or gentleman.

The Victorian Web (1993): three paragraphs. On-line. Internet. 18 April 2000.

Available: http://www.landlow.stg.brown.edu/victorian/carroll/maylee1.html

Ionata, Catherine. "Prejudice and Perception in Alice in Wonderland."

Available: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~ifdean/carroll/mutton.html

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1974
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)