Twentieth-century writer Angela Carter once said, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is simply a dream,” but the story behind its creation is far more complex and intriguing. While many know the beloved tale of Alice and her journey through a whimsical world, not many are aware of the untold story of its creator, Lewis Carroll.
Born as Charles Lutwidge Dodgson in 1832, Carroll was a mathematician, photographer, and writer, most famously known for his work Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking Glass. However, his life was far from the enchanting and imaginative world he created in his books.
Growing up in a large family, Carroll was the third son out of eleven children and had a stammer, which caused him to struggle with socializing and making friends. Despite this, he was an intelligent and curious child, fascinated by numbers and puzzles. These interests would later become apparent in his writing, with the nonsensical wordplay and mathematical references in his stories.
Carroll’s love for mathematics led him to study at Christ Church, Oxford, where he eventually became a lecturer in mathematics. It was during his time at Oxford that he became friends with the Dean’s daughter, Alice Liddell. It is said that Carroll would often take Alice and her sisters on outings, inventing fantastical stories to entertain them. On one such outing in 1862, Carroll told Alice and her sisters a story about a young girl falling down a rabbit hole into a bizarre world filled with talking animals and nonsensical creatures. Alice was so enthralled by the story that she begged Carroll to write it down, thus igniting the idea for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
However, Carroll’s relationship with Alice and her family caused some controversy. Many have speculated about the nature of their friendship, with some even suggesting that Carroll had a romantic attachment to Alice, despite the significant age gap between them. These speculations, coupled with Carroll’s often peculiar and eccentric behavior, have led to much debate and scrutiny surrounding his character.
What is known for certain is that Carroll had an intense love for photography and often took photos of young girls, including Alice and her sisters. He also had a large collection of letters and diaries where he recorded his thoughts and feelings, including his infatuation with young girls. These revelations have led some to question whether Carroll’s interest in young girls went beyond innocent admiration, but there is no concrete evidence to support these theories.
Despite the controversy surrounding his personal life, Carroll’s legacy as a pioneering writer and mastermind behind Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland remains unquestionable. His work has inspired countless adaptations, including movies, plays, and even video games. The story continues to capture the minds and hearts of readers of all ages, and the characters remain etched in pop culture.
In his later years, Carroll continued to write and publish other works, including his famous poem “Jabberwocky” and the novels Sylvie and Bruno and The Hunting of the Snark. However, none have reached the same level of success and popularity as his Alice books.
At the age of 65, Lewis Carroll passed away, leaving behind a legacy that has stood the test of time. Years after his death, his stories continue to enchant readers and inspire new generations to step into the curious and magical world of Alice. While many may argue about the true nature of Carroll’s character, there is no denying the lasting impact he has had on literature and popular culture. His whimsical and imaginative world of Wonderland remains a timeless classic, and the untold story of Lewis Carroll continues to fascinate and intrigue readers around the world.