In this week's edition, we explore the public's shifting views on childhood during the Victorian period, and how this can help us better understand Alice's journey in Wonderland.
A very fun read, Nicole, thanks so much for sharing! And it was indeed an interesting transitional time for children!
It's my personal belief that the rabbit hole is an older manifestation. Mythological stories around the UK have a long history of associating rabbits and their lairs with the underworld, fairy lands and as omens or messengers. In my view, that fits the strange nature of Wonderland, the location's role in the story, and the character that first draws Alice into it more than the mines.
A very fun read, Nicole, thanks so much for sharing! And it was indeed an interesting transitional time for children!
It's my personal belief that the rabbit hole is an older manifestation. Mythological stories around the UK have a long history of associating rabbits and their lairs with the underworld, fairy lands and as omens or messengers. In my view, that fits the strange nature of Wonderland, the location's role in the story, and the character that first draws Alice into it more than the mines.
Thank you, James! And I didn't realize that rabbits were associated with fairies in that way, but that makes so much sense. I love that reading!