
Introduction
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is a novel published in 1865 by the British mathematician and writer Lewis Carroll. It tells the fantastic adventures of a young girl, Alice, who follows a white rabbit into a rabbit hole and finds herself in a wonderful and absurd world, populated by strange creatures and whimsical characters. The novel is considered a masterpiece of children's literature, but it also contains numerous interpretations and hidden meanings, making it a complex and fascinating work. Among the themes explored, one can notably delve into the psychedelic symbolism of the novel, which features mushrooms and other substances that alter Alice's perception and identity, as well as characters that seem to come from a dream or a nightmare. What message does Lewis Carroll want to convey through these elements? What is the critical and philosophical scope of his work?

I. Mushrooms and Psychedelic Substances:
Metaphors of Alice's Transformation and Identity Quest
- Alice undergoes numerous metamorphoses during her journey in Wonderland, often triggered by the consumption of mushrooms, cakes, potions, or tea. These substances have varied effects on her body and mind: she grows, shrinks, cries, laughs, forgets, remembers, etc.
- These changes are both a source of pleasure and anxiety for Alice, who no longer knows who she is or where she is going. She constantly questions her identity and her relationship with the world. She seeks to regain her normal size and to adapt to the rules of Wonderland, which are often illogical and contradictory.
- These metamorphoses can be interpreted as metaphors for the transition from childhood to adulthood, which involves self-examination and questioning of reality. Alice is confronted with new and bewildering situations that make her grow and mature. She must learn about herself and earn respect from others. She must also accept losing her bearings and experiencing unexpected events.
- They can also be seen as a critique of Victorian society, in which Lewis Carroll lived, marked by conformity, rigidity, and hypocrisy. Alice rebels against the norms and conventions that govern Wonderland, which are often absurd and unjust. She expresses her desire for freedom, fantasy, and creativity. She challenges the authority and rationality of adults, who are often ridiculed or unmasked by the novel.

II. The White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, and Other Characters:
Symbols of Alice's Dream and Unconscious
- Alice encounters astonishing and eccentric characters in Wonderland, often with mixed animal or human characteristics. They are often associated with psychedelic substances, such as the white rabbit who is always in a hurry, the caterpillar smoking a hookah, the Cheshire Cat who appears and disappears, or the Mad Hatter and the March Hare who endlessly have tea parties.
- These characters are both guides and enigmas for Alice, who often seeks their advice or explanations but receives evasive, paradoxical, or absurd responses in return. They engage her in language games, logic puzzles, or riddles, which pose intellectual and playful challenges for her.
- These characters can be interpreted as symbols of Alice's dream and unconscious, onto which she projects her fears, desires, memories, or fantasies. They represent aspects of her personality, imagination, or memory, which are revealed or transformed by Wonderland. They also allude to cultural, historical, or literary references, enriching the meaning of the novel and demonstrating Lewis Carroll's erudition.

Conclusion
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is a novel that blends the marvelous and the psychedelic, subjecting its heroine to extraordinary and perplexing adventures that lead her to evolve and reflect. The novel invites exploration of the boundaries of reason and reality through hidden symbols and messages, making it a profound and original work. It is also an ode to childhood, curiosity, and creativity, which are essential values for Lewis Carroll.
Source: conversation with Bing, 07/02/2024
References:
(1) "What is the moral of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll." https://education.toutcomment.com/article/quelle-est-la-morale-d-alice-au-pays-des-merveilles-de-lewis-carroll-12643.html.
(2) "Why read and study 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll in 5th grade." https://pedagogie.ac-lille.fr/lettres/pourquoi-lire-et-etudier-alice-au-pays-des-merveilles-de-lewis-caroll-en-classe-de-5eme/.
(3) Imaginary Places: Wonderland in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. https://actus.booknode.com/2016/07/27/lieux-imaginaires-pays-merveilles-dalice-pays-merveilles-lewis-carroll/.
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