Plot Summary of "Through the Looking-Glass"
Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass" is a whimsical and surreal adventure that continues the story of Alice, the protagonist from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." This sequel takes us on a journey through a fantastical chess game where Alice strives to become a queen. Let's dive into the key elements of the plot!
The Looking-Glass World
Our story begins with Alice pondering what life might be like on the other side of a mirror. In a moment of curiosity, she steps through the looking-glass and finds herself in a bizarre, reversed world.
NoteIn the looking-glass world, everything is backwards. Books are written in mirror-writing, chess pieces come to life, and time moves differently. This reversal is a key theme throughout the story.
"Now, if you'll only attend, Kitty, and not talk so much, I'll tell you all my ideas about Looking-glass House. First, there's the room you can see through the glass—that's just the same as our drawing room, only the things go the other way."
The Living Chess Game
Alice soon discovers that the looking-glass world is structured like a giant chessboard. She meets the Red Queen, who explains that Alice can become a queen herself if she makes it to the eighth square of the board.
TipThe chess game serves as the overarching structure for Alice's journey, with each chapter representing a move on the board.
As Alice progresses through the squares, she encounters a variety of peculiar characters, each contributing to the nonsensical and dream-like quality of her adventure.
Key Encounters
Tweedledum and Tweedledee
These identical twins recite the famous poem about their battle over a rattle. They also tell Alice the story of the Walrus and the Carpenter, a narrative within the narrative that adds to the book's layered structure.
The White Queen and Red Queen
Both queens test Alice's understanding of logic and language, often with confusing results. The White Queen, in particular, introduces Alice to "believing impossible things."
