Jabberwocky Irony

Jabberwocky Irony

Irony of understanding

Although we cannot understand some of the language of this poem, Carroll uses certain sounds to give us an idea of what he is talking about. For example, in the first stanza, "slithy" sounds a lot like "slimy."

Irony of mystery

Although this poem is often thought to be impossible to understand, Carroll actually gives a hint of what the first stanza means via the character of Humpty-Dumpty in Through the Looking-Glass. The character says what some of the words mean, for example "brillig" means four o'clock in the afternoon.

Irony of the Jabberwocky

Although the Jabberwocky is depicted as a frightening and formidable creature, he is killed very easily by the protagonist.

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