“The Walrus and the Carpenter” is a narrative poem by Lewis Carroll that appears in his book Through the Looking-Glass. The poem is recited in chapter four, by Tweedledum and Tweedledee to Alice. The poem is an example of Victorian “nonsense” verse, and its precise meaning remains elusive. However, many literary critics have interpreted it as an allegory for a variety of themes, including imperialism, capitalism, and the corrupting influence of power.
Despite its ambiguous meaning, “The Walrus and the Carpenter” has remained a popular poem and a classic example of Victorian nonsense verse. The poem’s whimsical language and imaginative imagery have captivated readers for generations, and its exploration of complex themes has made it a subject of scholarly analysis. Whether read as a simple children’s story or a complex allegory, “The Walrus and the Carpenter” remains one of Lewis Carroll’s most enduring works.
Origins of the Poem
Lewis Carroll’s Background
Lewis Carroll, whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was an English writer, mathematician, and photographer. He is best known for his children’s books, particularly Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Carroll was born in 1832 in Daresbury, England, and was the third of eleven children. He studied at Oxford University, where he became interested in mathematics and logic.
Carroll was also known for his love of wordplay and nonsense, which is evident in his writing. He often wrote poems and stories for children that were filled with puns, jokes, and nonsensical language. The Walrus and the Carpenter is one such example of Carroll’s love for wordplay and nonsense.
Publication History
The Walrus and the Carpenter was first published in Carroll’s 1871 book Through the Looking-Glass. The book is a sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and follows Alice as she enters a fantastical world through a mirror. The poem is recited by the characters Tweedledum and Tweedledee to Alice during her journey.
The poem was an instant success and has since become one of Carroll’s most famous works. It has been adapted into various forms, including plays, musicals, and even an episode of The Muppet Show. The poem’s popularity can be attributed to its playful language, memorable characters, and underlying allegorical themes.
Main Characters
The Walrus
The Walrus is one of the two main characters in Lewis Carroll’s poem “The Walrus and the Carpenter”. He is depicted as a cunning and manipulative character who convinces the innocent oysters to follow him and the Carpenter on a walk along the seashore. The Walrus is often seen as a representation of a greedy and selfish individual who takes advantage of others for his own benefit.
The Carpenter
The Carpenter is the other main character in the poem. He is portrayed as a hardworking and honest character who is easily swayed by the Walrus’s manipulative tactics. The Carpenter is often seen as a representation of a gullible and naive individual who is easily taken advantage of by others.
Together, the Walrus and the Carpenter represent two different types of people in society: those who take advantage of others for their own benefit and those who are easily swayed by the manipulative tactics of others. Through their actions and interactions with the innocent oysters, Carroll uses allegory to comment on the nature of human behavior and the dangers of blindly following others without questioning their motives.
Narrative Structure
Setting and Imagery
The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll is a narrative poem that takes place on a beach. The setting is described in detail, with the sun shining brightly and the waves of the sea billowing smoothly. The imagery used in the poem is vivid, with the sand on the beach being likened to sugar and the oysters being described as plump and succulent.
Verse Form and Rhyme Scheme
The poem is written in six-line stanzas, with each line consisting of iambic tetrameter. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABAB, with the last line of each stanza rhyming with the first line of the next stanza. This creates a sense of continuity and fluidity in the poem.
The use of repetition in the poem also adds to its narrative structure. The Walrus and the Carpenter repeat their invitation to the oysters to walk with them, and the oysters repeat their agreement to do so. This repetition emphasizes the cyclical nature of the narrative and reinforces the idea that the characters are trapped in a never-ending cycle.
Themes and Symbolism
Innocence and Guile
The Walrus and the Carpenter is an allegory that explores the theme of innocence and guile. The oysters in the poem represent innocent and naive individuals who are easily manipulated by those in authority. The Walrus and the Carpenter, on the other hand, represent the manipulative figures who use their power to deceive and exploit the vulnerable.
Authority and Manipulation
Another prominent theme in the poem is authority and manipulation. The Walrus and the Carpenter are figures of authority who use their power to manipulate the oysters. The poem highlights the dangers of blindly following those in positions of power and the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority.
Nature and Industrialization
The poem also touches on the theme of nature and industrialization. The Walrus and the Carpenter are portrayed as industrial figures who exploit the natural resources of the sea, represented by the oysters. The poem critiques the destructive impact of industrialization on the natural world and the need for responsible stewardship of the environment.
Allegorical Interpretations
Political Allegory
The Walrus and the Carpenter has been interpreted as a political allegory, with the Walrus representing the British ruling class and the Carpenter representing the working class. The oysters in the poem are seen as the colonized people who are exploited by the ruling class. The poem is said to criticize the British Empire’s exploitation of its colonies and the class system that existed in Victorian England.
Social Commentary
The poem has also been interpreted as a social commentary on the Victorian era. The Walrus and the Carpenter are seen as the corrupt and manipulative members of society who use their power to exploit the innocent and naive. The oysters represent the vulnerable members of society who are taken advantage of by those in power. The poem highlights the injustices and inequalities that existed in Victorian society.
Moral Lessons
The Walrus and the Carpenter is a cautionary tale that teaches moral lessons. The poem warns against the dangers of greed and gluttony, as the Walrus and the Carpenter consume all of the oysters. It also teaches the importance of being cautious and not trusting those who may have ulterior motives. The oysters are lured in by the Walrus and the Carpenter’s charm and promises, only to be eaten in the end. The poem emphasizes the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and not being naive or gullible.
Critical Reception
Contemporary Reviews
When “The Walrus and the Carpenter” was first published in 1871 as part of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, it received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the poem’s whimsical and humorous tone, while others found it confusing and lacking in substance. The poem’s allegorical elements were also a subject of debate, with some readers interpreting it as a commentary on politics or religion, while others saw it as a simple children’s tale.
Modern Perspectives
In modern times, “The Walrus and the Carpenter” has become a beloved classic of children’s literature, and its allegorical elements have been the subject of much analysis and interpretation. Many scholars now view the poem as a commentary on the nature of power and authority, with the Walrus and the Carpenter representing figures of authority who use their power to manipulate and exploit the innocent oysters. Others see the poem as a commentary on the dangers of greed and excess, with the oysters representing innocent victims who are lured into danger by the promise of pleasure.
Influence on Popular Culture
Literature and Art
“The Walrus and the Carpenter” has been referenced and alluded to in many works of literature and art. In Neil Gaiman’s novel “American Gods,” the character Mr. Nancy recites a version of the poem to the protagonist Shadow. The poem has also been featured in various adaptations of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” including the 1951 Disney animated film.
In art, the poem has been illustrated by numerous artists, including John Tenniel, who provided the original illustrations for “Through the Looking-Glass.” The poem has also been referenced in works of modern art, such as Salvador Dali’s painting “The Persistence of Memory,” which features a melting clock and a nod to the oysters in the poem.
Music and Film
“The Walrus and the Carpenter” has also been referenced in popular music and film. The Beatles’ song “I Am the Walrus” features lyrics that reference the poem, and the poem is also mentioned in the song “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane.
In film, the poem has been referenced in various adaptations of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” including the 2010 Tim Burton film. The poem has also been referenced in other films, such as the 1986 movie “Platoon,” in which one of the soldiers recites a version of the poem.