Member-only story

The Inventions of the March Hare Poems 1909-1917: A Journey into the Wonderland of Language

Dean Butler

·2k Followers· Follow

Published in Inventions Of The March Hare: Poems 1909 1917

5 min read

977 View Claps

62 Respond

Save

Listen

: The Curious Mind of Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll, the celebrated author of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass," was not only a master of fiction but also an accomplished poet. His "Inventions of the March Hare Poems" stands as a testament to his extraordinary imagination and playful use of language. These poems, written between 1909 and 1917, invite us into a surreal world where logic bends and words dance to the tune of Carroll's whimsical mind.

Inventions of the March Hare: Poems 1909–1917

by T. S. Eliot

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1960 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	542 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Whimsical Inventions and Curious Contraptions

The poems in this collection are filled with an array of peculiar inventions and eccentric characters, each embodying Carroll's fascination with wordplay and the boundless possibilities of imagination. From the "Umbrella-stand" that walks on seven legs to the "Mouse-Trap" that seeks to catch the moon, these inventions ignite a sense of wonder and absurdity that reflects the author's unique perspective.

An Illustration Of The Umbrella Stand From The Poem Of The Same Name, A Bizarre Contraption With Seven Legs And A Hat Rack For A Head. Inventions Of The March Hare: Poems 1909 1917

Exploring the Boundaries of Language

Carroll's "Inventions of the March Hare Poems" not only showcase his wild imagination but also his profound understanding of language. He experiments with rhyme, meter, and rhythm, creating verses that are both musically pleasing and linguistically inventive. Carroll's mastery of language shines through in his ability to coin new words, twist familiar phrases, and play with homonyms, puns, and riddles.

For example, in the poem "The Crocodile," Carroll presents a playful re-imagining of the famous nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty":

> *He would not be convinced, though I argued long; > But something went wrong, and he came to grief. > For he put his hand in the candle-flame, > And burned his thumb beyond relief.*

Carroll's version introduces a new character, the Crocodile, who stubbornly insists that he will jump off a wall, only to end up burning his thumb in a candle flame. The poem's unexpected twist and the clever use of language highlight Carroll's ability to subvert expectations and create a sense of linguistic delight.

The March Hare and the Tea Party Paradox

The figure of the March Hare, a character from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," serves as a fitting symbol for the surreal and nonsensical world of the "Inventions of the March Hare Poems." Like the Mad Hatter and the Dormouse, the March Hare represents the chaotic and unpredictable nature of Wonderland, a place where logic and reason take a back seat to imagination and absurdity.

In the poem "The Mad Tea-Party," Carroll captures the essence of the Mad Hatter's party, where the March Hare's nonsensical riddles and the Dormouse's sleepy interruptions create an atmosphere of perpetual confusion and paradox. The poem's unpredictable flow and illogical exchanges reflect the inherent absurdity of the Mad Tea-Party and the world of Wonderland itself.

A Legacy of Linguistic Playfulness

Lewis Carroll's "Inventions of the March Hare Poems" stands as a lasting testament to his boundless imagination and linguistic ingenuity. These poems have captivated readers for generations, inspiring other poets and writers to explore the creative possibilities of language. Carroll's playful spirit and fascination with words continue to resonate with those who appreciate the transformative power of language and the endless possibilities of imagination.

: A Curious Journey into Wonderland

The "Inventions of the March Hare Poems" are an invitation to embark on a curious journey into the wonderland of language. Through his whimsical inventions, linguistic experiments, and the enigmatic figure of the March Hare, Lewis Carroll transports us to a realm where logic dissolves, absurdity reigns supreme, and the imagination takes center stage. These poems serve as a reminder of the boundless creativity that can be found in the realm of words, inviting us to embrace the power of language and the joy of imaginative play.

Inventions of the March Hare: Poems 1909–1917

by T. S. Eliot

4.8 out of 5