I am writing a paper about the poem, Jabberwocky. Been thinking about it and don't really know what deep meanings if any I can pull from it. Seems more to be just a fun poem to read and listen to that was originally intended for kids. Any other ideas about "deep" meanings that would look hot in a paper? Thanks

Would you believe Humpty 'Dumpty's explanation? Well, you will find that and more here:

[www76.pair.com]


Les

I don't think there are any 'deep meanings.' It's a quest story- the young man goes looking for adventure, finds it, and succeeds.


pam

And returned to the joy and approval of his father, having gone with his father's warnings. Did his father want him to go and mearly warn of danger? Or did he want him to stay at home and avoid the peril?

Sounds to me more like 'be careful' rather than 'no, don't do that.' Perhaps you could argue that it's a 'coming-of-age quest.'

pam

See, a "deep meaning" for Pat. My youngest is of the opinion that books are much more fun now she doesn't have exams for English.

[tinyurl.com]

A story full of archetypes: the innocent and peaceful rustic setting; the concerned and protective parent; the fearful monster; the son who elects to hunt it regardless of parental warnings; the special weapon he takes; the long quest; the climactic fight; the slaying of the monster; the triumphant homecoming; the joyous welcome from his proud and relieved parent; and the continuance of the rustic setting - implicitly saved for the community by the young man's heroism.
And conveyed mostly with evocative nonsense words that looked as if they ought to be in the dictionary, but weren't (at least not then), because they were invented.
Quite an achievement!

Does Humpty Dumpty only explain stanza 1??

Samplike, yes.

Les

Samplike? Must be a portmanteau word. See also Martin Gardner's Annotated Alice, probably in a nearby library. You can't have my copy, since no one ever returns it.

[tinyurl.com]

I've had the same problem with the Annotated Sherlock Holmes.

pam

And nobody is allowed my Annotated Snark. (growwwl)

I have had the same problem... I was assigned a term paper on "Jabberwocky" just a week ago and was completely lost on what to do. My teacher wanted me to include already published analyses on the poem and I am still having much trouble finding them. One book was suggested to me by a colleague, but I have yet to check it out. It is "Understanding Poetry" by James Reeves and it supposedly touches on "Jabberwocky" for awhile. I hope it helps... and good luck!