# What Language and Meaning means in Through the Looking-Glass

> The book explores the arbitrary nature of language through Humpty Dumpty's assertion that words mean whatever he chooses them to mean, and through nonsense poems like 'Jabberwocky' that challenge conventional logic.

## Explanation

The book explores the arbitrary nature of language through Humpty Dumpty's assertion that words mean whatever he chooses them to mean, and through nonsense poems like 'Jabberwocky' that challenge conventional logic.

Alice reads 'Jabberwocky', a poem full of invented words, highlighting the playful and arbitrary nature of language.

The Red Queen redefines words like 'garden' and 'hill,' and the flowers' conversation highlights the fluidity and power of language.

The Gnat's jokes about names and the chorus of voices valuing language at 'a thousand pounds a word' emphasize the arbitrary and powerful nature of language.

Wordplay on 'a-dressing,' 'feather,' and 'exactually' highlights the arbitrary nature of language.

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