Alice II ODB

We are all essentially heroes. Every single person has something unique about him or her that is admirable and heroic. Although we cannot all shoot spider webs at people or fly to someone’s rescue, we each live our lives the best we know how and make decisions concerning this life the best we can. Thus, when examining Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and several aspects of his life, one can see the hero emerge in Alice and in Carroll himself.

Alice in Disney's version of Carroll's Alice in Wonderland

At the beginning of the tale, Alice is young and naïve. Although she is just a child, she seizes the opportunity to let her curiosity guide her down the rabbit hole. As Amber Berchiam states, “she is wiling to venture into the unknown, or that which is beyond self” without any hesitation (691A). Throughout her encounters in Wonderland, Alice is constantly questioning things and yearning for knowledge. She is brave in that she decides what she wants (to get into the garden) and does not stop until she reaches this destination. While Alice encounters some very strange creatures and is put in some interesting situations, she “rises to the challenge of survival in Wonderland” and is confident in herself and her abilities (Nash 691 C). For example, when the inhabitants such as the Caterpillar and the Cheshire cat present her with challenges yet provide no answers, Alice takes it upon herself to make the right decision and acts upon it.
The Cheshire Cat and the Caterpillar represent Alice being challenged to think for herself.

Though her instincts are not always correct, she grows and acquires understanding through experience and discovery learning. During her journey she maintains her childlike kindness and compassion by stopping to communicate with and help others along her way. She listens to Mock Turtle tell his story and aids the White Queen as she walks through the woods.


Alice listening to the Mock Turtle tell his story.

Not only does Alice find her way through Wonderland with gusto and zeal, but also maintains a respectful admiration for this peculiar place in which she finds herself. Although Alice is hesitant about growing up, she embraces this adventure in Wonderland with open arms and does everything in her power to absorb as much as she can from it. Therefore, in my eyes, Alice is a hero.

Lewis Carroll

Furthermore, the author of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson), displays many of his heroic qualities in Alice and through the story itself. The many eccentric characters in the book parallel may of the peculiarities in Carroll’s life. The book, “full of donnish humor and playfulness…and light fantastic but serious bits of thought” is perhaps a glimpse at Carroll’s childlike nature (Rites and Wrongs 127). Since he longed to return to his adolescence, he found his creativity and comfort in the Liddell girls, especially Alice.
The Lidell Sisters: Edith, Lorena, and Alice

His love for Alice and the other girls has been frowned upon by many, but shows the genuineness of his spirit. His imagination has inspired generations and his words have remained carved throughout time. Dodgson was an intelligent professor, devoted to his art and courageous in exploring new realms of thought. “His whimsy and peculiarities ma(de) him for many the quintessential don” (Rites and Wrongs 130). Not only did he break boundaries through his writing, but also was also a gifted photographer. No matter what he was doing, Carroll was constantly emitting originality and uniqueness. This interesting man continues to influence people all over the world and I am sure he will continue to do so in the future.

Alice and Lewis Carroll, like many other unexpected people, are heroes in there own special way. They prove the point that every man has the potential to shine with greatness and success. It is up to us to determine our own destiny and become out own heroes so that we may someday inspire those around us.