The Jabberwocky
In the poem, the Jabberwocky is described with imagery associated with danger, threat, and evil. For example, at the beginning of the poem, the boy's father emphasizes the Jabberwocky's "jaws that bite" and "claws that catch," to warn his son about how dangerous the creature is. Later in the poem, the Jabberwocky is described as having "eyes of flame". This imagery is powerful and associates the Jabberwocky with evil and hell. In doing so, Carroll establishes the Jabberwocky as the clear villain of the poem.
The setting
The poem takes place in a seemingly pastoral setting. We get the impression that the setting is a forest of some sort, where a number of nonsensical creatures are living. The first stanza of the poem is devoted to describing the setting:
"Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves
And the mome raths outgrabe."
This description gives a sense of normality, suggesting that the nonsensical creatures are continuing with their normal lives. It is only the presence of the Jabberwocky and other harmful creatures that causes chaos and disorder.
Hunting imagery
The boy sets out to kill the Jabberwocky in the same way somebody would set out on a hunt. After finding the Jabberwocky he kills the creature with his sword and returns home with its head. This evokes the idea of a hunt as many hunters will take home an animal's head as a "trophy."
Fantasy
Fantasy is a key part of the imagery of this poem, which is common in Carroll's work. As readers, we are immediately aware this poem is fantastical by the descriptions of the first stanza. Carroll uses nonsensical language to describe unknown creatures in mysterious landscapes.
