Essay Questions

Is "Jabberwocky" a children's poem?

Whether "Jabberwocky" can be considered a children's poem is debated among critics. On the one hand, the poem is silly and nonsensical, making it a perfect and entertaining read for younger audiences. To an adult reader, the poem might seem ridiculous or meaningless, however after some analysis, there is much to uncover.

On the other hand, the narrative of the Jabberwocky contains violence and death. The image of the boy returning to his father holding the Jabberwocky's head is particularly graphic, and may not be appropriate for children.

How does Carroll suggest that the Jabberwocky is a threat?

Carrol uses imagery and language in order to present the Jabberwocky at the poem's clear villain. For example, the pastoral and peaceful setting described in the first chapter is interrupted by the word "beware" in the second stanza. In this passage, the father is warning his son about the frightening Jabberwocky, with his dangerous teeth and claws.

Later in the poem, the Jabberwocky is described as having "eyes of flame" which presents him as being associated with evil. As such, throughout the poem we are given clear indicators that the Jabberwocky is a threat.