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47 pages 1 hour read

Lewis Carroll

Through The Looking Glass

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1871

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Essay Topics

1.

Imagination, creativity, and blurring the lines between reality and imagination are major themes of the novel. How do Alice and other characters in the story show their inventiveness? How does the book blur the distinction between the real and the imagined? Examine why these themes are important by citing specific examples.

2.

Analyze the novel as a whole by giving it a review. What did you like and dislike about the novel and why? How effective was Carroll’s writing? Provide specific reasons supported by textual evidence.

3.

In Chapter 2, Alice states her goal is to be a queen. How does she achieve this goal? What obstacles must she overcome and what lessons must she learn to grow as a character and earn the title of queen? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.

4.

Carroll’s writing is known for its wordplay and linguistic humor. Which excerpts did you find the most humorous or nonsensical and why? What mood did Carroll’s playful tone put you in and how?

5.

Analyze a character not highlighted in this guide, such as Humpty Dumpty. Describe his or her characterization, growth, and role in the book.

6.

The White Knight says, “What does it matter where my body happens to be? [...] My mind goes on working all the same. In fact, the more head-downwards I am, the more I keep inventing new things” (173). How does this passage encapsulate the themes of the book?

7.

What is the role of poetry in the book? Examine the symbolism and significance of “The Jabberwocky.” What does “The Jabberwocky” represent, and how does it fit into the narrative?

8.

If you have read Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, compare and contrast that book to its sequel. How do the settings compare in terms of characteristics, rules, and symbolism? Support your answer with textual evidence.

9.

Analyze a symbol, motif, or theme not described in this guide. If a symbol, what does it represent and why? If a theme, how is it presented, and what is the implication of this message? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.

10.

How do you interpret the ending of the novel? How would you answer the story’s final question of who dreamed up the looking-glass world—Alice, The Red King, or someone else? Why? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.

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