 |
|
Alice in Wonderland
Articles |
Here is a collection of interesting
articles about Alice in Wonderland
and Lewis Carroll as well as some articles about books
and literature in general.
|
|
| |
|
A Close Look At `Alice in Wonderland` Characters
This delightful and timeless story is not simply a light-hearted
tale, but a smorgasbord of controversy and depth of meaning.
The illustrations are easily recognised and the storyline
is well known, but sometimes the meaning behind the characters
can be a little ambiguous.
There is a great deal of deviation between the original two
books `Alice`s Adventures in Wonderland`
and `Through the Looking Glass` and the film
versions of `Alice in Wonderland`. Some of the characters
that only appear in the sequel, such as the Jabberwocky, creep
into the film versions. Although the films and the original
stories may differ, the general importance of each character
is maintained in the adaptations.
 It
is often suggested that the character of Alice is based on
Alice Liddell, a young companion of Carroll
and is a representation of the confusion and dangers of childhood.
The Caterpillar that Alice meets is quite
an intimidating character, but ultimately he is a representation
of education and the benefit of intuition. Similarly, the
Cheshire Cat has a great influence over Alice
through the enlightenment it shows to her. Although it is
a very detached and uncontrollable character it helps Alice
to understand the ultimate meaning of Wonderland. Similarly
ludicrous is the character of the Mad Hatter,
who is eternally stuck at teatime. He is often rude and rarely
makes sense, yet he is quite a well loved character. It is
sometimes suggested that the use of this character is making
a suggestion about class distinctions, but this is very loosely
based on the Mad Hatter. The Queen of Hearts
is often confused with the Red Queen from the sequel, although
the characters share very few similarities. Carroll`s exact
intentions with this character are unclear, but it is suggested
that she is supposed to represent a passion without direction.
This could be a female commentary or a questioning of the
sanity of ultimate power. The White Rabbit
is one of the sanest of all the characters and is designed
to be a contrast to the youth and confidence of Alice`s character.
It has also been suggested that he is based on Alice Liddell`s
father.
The meanings behind each of the Alice in Wonderland characters
is ambiguous and is often corrupted by the controversial nature
of Lewis Carroll himself. However, underneath
all the controversy and hidden meanings of the plot and characters,
this classic tale is simply a story and the joy it brings
to children and adults alike cannot be overlooked. There are
many similar classic children`s stories that have been adapted
to film and have similar underlying themes, such as Peter
Pan. Such stories can either be appreciated for their
depth of meaning or for their entertainment value and delightful
plots and characters. Either way, even today children still
love these stories and even go so far as to have Alice
or Tinkerbell bedding. They are timeless classics and
should be appreciated as such. |
| |
Alice in Wonderland is
More Popular Than Ever - From Mad Hatter Tea Sets to
a New Disney Movie
by Tuula Olin in EzineArticles
The old classic tale from Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures
in Wonderland is getting more and more popular these
days. The story is still appealing to children and adults
alike even though it was first written in 1864. Alice
in Wonderland is not just any ordinary child fiction.
This classic story is full of philosophy and truisms.
The absurdity of the plot is enthralling and this is
why it has such a great fan base all over the world.
Young children love it because of curious characters
and the feeling of adventure. But teenagers and young
adults are looking for the darker side of Alice. They
find alternative and deeper meanings in this story,
which make young adults even more curious about the
eccentric Wonderland.
Alice in Wonderland has thousands of fans who gather
in discussion forums and blogs to ponder upon the storyline
and the odd characters. Many are making their own films
and plays adding their own interpretations along the
way. The story has found its way into the hearts of
countless people and it has triggered their interest
to research the life of its writer Lewis Carroll
as well as his other publications and writings. Others
have put their devotion into collecting Alice merchandise
and paraphernalia. Alice has inspired a restaurant décor
in Tokyo and a tourist attraction centre in the UK.
Certainly the new film of Alice in Wonderland, a new
Disney production which will be directed
by Tim Burton, is adding its buzz to
the popularity of the story. Truly there must be something
extra special in the story because it attracts many
Hollywood stars including Johnny Depp to the extent
that they will jump to the opportunity of being part
of the film cast.
The hype around Alice seems to be ever increasing and
diversifying. Soon there will be no child in the western
world that hasn't had a chance to enjoy Alice in Wonderland
in one form or another. |
Common Sense
Review of Alice in Wonderland
Reviewed by Monica Wyatt
Though there are many video versions, and a lot of
simplified retellings, all kids deserve to know the
story as Lewis Carroll wrote it. But
it takes a particular kind of child to enjoy this --
complex language, nonsense, and the lack of a sensible
plot are not to every child's taste, especially these
days.
Wonderland has no rules, not even the decrees of the
Queen. Alice simply accepts her situation and plays
along, and that's all readers need do. The difficulty
and complexity of Carroll's writing and ideas mean that
the book needs to be thoughtfully read aloud by an adult;
few children will read this through on their own. When
read aloud, the rhythmic poems can delight kids just
for their sounds and silly images.
The book works on two levels: as a delightful children's
fantasy and as an impish poke in the eye to adults.
Alice's strange new world remains just enough like the
polite society of Victorian England that we can recognize
it. But the crazed subterranean civilization isn't terribly
polite, allowing adults to understand much of the book
as satire.
Of course, kids usually don't see satire in the book.
They just enjoy the nonsense. If you've forgotten how
to do that, Alice In Wonderland can
help you remember. |
CHICAGO DAILY
TRIBUNE Film Review - December 23, 1933
By Mae Tinée
"Film of Alice In Wonderland
Is Like Reading Carroll's Book"
"Critic Praises Intelligence of Production"
Good Morning!
This morning we have with us a very famous little
girl! Her name is Alice, and over on the McVickers screen
she steps through a looking glass and visits Wonderland
. . .
"Alice in Wonderland," the
movie, you see, combines the openings of both Lewis
Carroll's books - for Alice not only steps "through
a looking glass," she also follows the white rabbit
down the hole. All of this being because, as Charlotte
[Alice] Henry recently explained, the fans who wrote
in were undecided as to which of the books they wanted
filmed.
The amusing fantasy of Alice and her quaint, fabled
friends has been brought to the screen with care and
intelligence. You never saw such verity. It's for all
the world like turning the pages of the book and seeing
Sir John Tenniel's drawings in action. A marvelous achievement
of makeup and settings!
Those there be who think the film would have been far
more amusing with Alice as the only human in the cast
and the other characters portrayed by Disney cartoons
which was, originally, Mary Pickford's far-sighted notion.
Be this as may, there are few who will have heart or
nerve to criticize severely anything as workmanlike
as the characterizations evolved by the brilliant cast
with the aid of their perfectly stupendous makeup.
Though remarkable disguised, the personalities of many
of the players shine through their camouflage - and
it's fun trying to figure out those you can't recognize.
You couldn't be fooled on Cary Grant as he sings the
Mock Turtle song - and who else but Gary Cooper [or
the prince of Wales] could be the White Knight, who
has such difficulty staying astride his noble steed?
Then there's Sterling Holloway as the Frog Footman,
and none other than Alison Skipworth is the Ugly Duchess
who dandles on her knee the awful baby that turns into
a pig . . . As for Charlotte Henry - the girl who was
chosen from hosts of applicants for the part - she's
a marvel! Just your dream of Alice come true, with her
long curls, her alert eyes, her sudden illuminating
smile - and the complete seriousness with which she
accepts her unprecedented adventures.
Little Miss Henry has a lovely speaking voice and sings
"Father William" most delightfully.
The picture opens on a snowy afternoon in a quiet English
parlor. Here, a bored little girl petitions her busily
tatting governess to let her go out.
No.
Do you think the snow will stop soon, Miss Simpson?"
Miss Simpson doesn't know. Why doesn't Alice do some
work on her sampler? Alice doesn't want to. She wanders
about disconsolately, at last flinging herself into
an easy chair with a book and her kitten on her lap.
She is very drowsy . . .
The fire crackles. The snow drifts. Miss Simpson tiptoes
out. And Alice steps through the looking glass . . .
Here is the cleanly, imaginative, classical, amusing
sort of film parents have been importuning for. If they
don't take themselves and their children to see "Alice
in Wonderland" they'll be ungrateful,
to say the least.
|
The Importance Of Reading
To Children
Written by Constance Anderson
Teacher
Growing up, my parents read a story to me every night.
I always assumed it was the standard in every child's
bedtime routine across the country. As a teacher with
my degree in Early Childhood Education, I know the importance
of reading to children. The benefits associated with
a simple daily bedtime story seem endless. Imagine my
amazement when I read the statistic stating that only
39% of parents read to their children on a daily basis
(Young, Davis, and Schoen, 1996).
In a word, I was flabbergasted. I've witnessed the
struggling readers and the impact that has on their
daily lives. When a child has difficulties reading,
everything in school suffers as a result. Would something
as simple as a daily ten minute bedtime story interaction
between a parent and child prevent these kids from struggling
throughout their school years? Could it really be that
simple? I want parents to know how vital it is to read
to their children everyday.
Benefits
Teaches Basic Reading and Writing Skills
When children are being read to, they are taking in
so much at once. Simple things experienced readers may
take for granted are introduced during the first few
years of life while listening to a story. Children who
are familiar with books know how to hold a book and
turn the pages from left to right. They know that the
book has a title.
Pre-readers also understand that the book contains pictures
and words and they start distinguishing words and letters.
They begin to recognize that the printed text is read
from right to left and top to bottom, which is directly
related to beginning writing skills. School districts
expect children to be reading simple word texts by the
end of kindergarten, and having these basic skills can
propel them toward success.
Teaches Basic Listening Skills
It's true, as I experience it in the classroom everyday.
Some children don't have the ability to sit still long
enough to listen to a story. It can be possible that
some children may have trouble because of a disability,
but others may simply lack the insight to what story
time is all about. Making story time at home a daily,
fun and engaging activity can encourage children to
get excited about story time at school which can also
discourage behavior issues.
Promotes Vocabulary and Language Skills
Just think of all the new words children hear from
books. Our daily conversations do not require much use
of complex language or vocabulary and can hinder the
development of a child's oral language. Reading to a
child can introduce so many new words, especially nonfiction
titles. Children's literature provides great models
of language for children. In hearing the flow of the
writing and the innovative words, especially in repeated
readings of the same text, can nurture children's language
development.
Builds Knowledge of the World
As in language development, reading exposes children
to worlds of new information. As a teacher, I used books
to teach children about a topic, such as a place, or
a person, or a topic. The amount of information a child
can learn from books is never-ending, which leads into
the next benefit.
Fosters a Love of Reading
Enabling children to enjoy reading is one of the most
important gifts a parent can do. Kids will learn reading
skills in school, but they will come to associate reading
with work, not pleasure. As a result, they may lose
their desire to read, effecting their schoolwork and
desire to learn. When a parent shares an exciting story
with a child, and in turn, gets excited with the child,
the parent is showing how much fun reading can be. Jim
Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, encourages
parents to lead by example by stating; "Make sure
your children see you reading for pleasure other than
at read-aloud time. Share with them your enthusiasm
for whatever you are reading".
Encourages Parent-Child Bonding
Reading aloud also creates a special time for parents
to bond with their children. Cuddling together for a
bedtime story, you'll be helping your children develop
a lifelong appreciation for reading. (Reading Aloud,
n.d.) Builds Self-Esteem Children often want to hear
the same story over and over. Just as adults may need
to hear something more than once to remember or understand,
children are the same way.
Trelease (2001) makes a very interesting point, "Those
of us who have seen a movie more than once fully realize
how many subtleties escaped us the first time. Even
more so with children and books". He also points
out that repeated readings can turn a child into an
expert on a particular book. The child feels good about
himself and connects that good feeling with reading
(Trelease, (2001). |
|
| |
|
|