The Symbolism of Dreams and Reality in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass: A Study of the Blurred Boundaries Between the Two
The Symbolism of Dreams and Reality in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass: A Study of the Blurred Boundaries Between the Two
In Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, Lewis Carroll creates worlds where the boundaries between dreams and reality are blurred, inviting readers to question what is real and what is imagined. Alice’s adventures unfold in a dreamlike state, where the laws of physics and logic no longer apply, and the characters she meets seem to exist only in the realm of fantasy.
In Wonderland, the fantastical creatures and illogical events suggest that Alice may be dreaming, yet the narrative maintains an air of reality that complicates this assumption. Similarly, Through the Looking-Glass operates as a dreamlike extension of Wonderland, where everything is reversed and metaphorically “mirrored,” further emphasizing the fluidity between the dream world and waking life.
Carroll uses the symbolism of dreams to explore the idea that reality is subjective, fluid, and often shaped by our perceptions. The two books challenge readers to reconsider their understanding of reality and the power of imagination, creating an experience that feels both surreal and grounded in personal introspection.
