Through the Looking-Glass · Question
How does Through the Looking-Glass develop the theme of Time and Reversal?
Answer
Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll develops Time and Reversal across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Living backwards, as the White Queen describes, and the looking-glass world's inversion of normal rules emphasize the theme of time flowing in reverse and the relativity of experience.
The poem dwells on the passage of time, memory, and the bittersweet contrast between past summer glory and the present winter scene.
The White Queen lives backwards, remembering future events and discussing jam yesterday and tomorrow but never today.
The Red Queen shrinks and softens, reversing her previous growth and authority.
Evidence in the book
- Epigraph
The poem dwells on the passage of time, memory, and the bittersweet contrast between past summer glory and the present winter scene.
- Wool and Water
The White Queen lives backwards, remembering future events and discussing jam yesterday and tomorrow but never today.
- Shaking
The Red Queen shrinks and softens, reversing her previous growth and authority.
- A Boat Beneath a Sunny Sky
The poem dwells on the passage of time, fading memories, and the cyclical nature of dreams.
