Famous poet /1832-1898  •  Ranked #60 in the top 500 poets

Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll was the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, an English writer, mathematician, logician, Anglican deacon, and photographer. He is best remembered for his whimsical and imaginative children's literature, particularly Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass. These stories continue to enchant readers of all ages, captivating audiences through their fantastical settings, memorable characters, and exploration of language and logic.

Carroll's writing, often categorized as literary nonsense, subverts expectations and playfully explores the absurdity of language. His poems, like "The Jabberwocky," utilize made-up words and nonsensical phrases to create humorous and thought-provoking effects. Carroll's work reflects the Victorian era's fascination with fantasy and escapism, while also engaging with philosophical and mathematical concepts.

His influence on children's literature is undeniable. Contemporary authors such as Roald Dahl and Shel Silverstein echo Carroll's penchant for whimsy and absurdity. His use of dream logic and unconventional narratives paved the way for later surrealist and experimental writers. The enduring popularity of Carroll's works speaks to the timeless appeal of his imaginative storytelling and his ability to connect with the child in every reader.

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Dreamland

When midnight mists are creeping,
And all the land is sleeping,
Around me tread the mighty dead,
And slowly pass away.

Lo, warriors, saints, and sages,
From out the vanished ages,
With solemn pace and reverend face
Appear and pass away.

The blaze of noonday splendour,
The twilight soft and tender,
May charm the eye: yet they shall die,
Shall die and pass away.

But here, in Dreamland's centre,
No spoiler's hand may enter,
These visions fair, this radiance rare,
Shall never pass away.

I see the shadows falling,
The forms of old recalling;
Around me tread the mighty dead,
And slowly pass away.
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Analysis (ai): The poem explores the contrast between the ephemeral nature of the physical world and the timeless realm of dreams. The author conveys this contrast through evocative imagery of night and sleep, contrasting it with the transient beauty of day and the inexorable march of time. The poem's dreamy atmosphere and haunting rhythm create a sense of longing and wonder.

Compared to the author's other works, this poem is characterized by its focus on the supernatural and its exploration of the imaginative realm. It also reflects the Victorian fascination with the Gothic and the supernatural, as well as the Romantic emphasis on the power of imagination and dreams. (hide)
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120  

My Fairy

I have a fairy by my side
Which says I must not sleep,
When once in pain I loudly cried
It said "You must not weep"
If, full of mirth, I smile and grin,
It says "You must not laugh"
When once I wished to drink some gin
It said "You must not quaff".

When once a meal I wished to taste
It said "You must not bite"
When to the wars I went in haste
It said "You must not fight".

"What may I do?" at length I cried,
Tired of the painful task.
The fairy quietly replied,
And said "You must not ask".

Moral: "You mustn't."
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Analysis (ai): The poem's terse language and repetitive structure convey a sense of frustration and confinement. It explores the theme of societal constraints and the suppression of individual desires. The fairy's constant prohibitions limit the speaker's actions and emotions, creating a sense of powerlessness.

Compared to Carroll's other works like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," this poem lacks the whimsical and imaginative elements. Its focus on societal norms and restrictions aligns with the Victorian era's emphasis on propriety and conformity. The poem's didactic tone and moral at the end reinforce this theme.

In terms of its structure, the poem uses a simple four-line stanza with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The repetitive use of "You must not" emphasizes the fairy's unwavering authority, while the final line's brevity highlights the speaker's lack of options.

Overall, the poem's succinct and restrictive language effectively conveys the theme of societal constraints and the suppression of individual expression. It reflects the Victorian era's emphasis on propriety and conformity. (hide)
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17  

Brother And Sister

"SISTER, sister, go to bed!
Go and rest your weary head."
Thus the prudent brother said.

"Do you want a battered hide,
Or scratches to your face applied?"
Thus his sister calm replied.

"Sister, do not raise my wrath.
I'd make you into mutton broth
As easily as kill a moth"

The sister raised her beaming eye
And looked on him indignantly
And sternly answered, "Only try!"

Off to the cook he quickly ran.
"Dear Cook, please lend a frying-pan
To me as quickly as you can."

And wherefore should I lend it you?"
"The reason, Cook, is plain to view.
I wish to make an Irish stew."

"What meat is in that stew to go?"
"My sister'll be the contents!"
"Oh"
"You'll lend the pan to me, Cook?"
"No!"

Moral: Never stew your sister.

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Analysis (ai): This humorous poem takes on the archetype of squabbling sibling relationships.

In comparison to the author's other works, this poem lacks the whimsy and fantasy elements found in his famous children's works.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, where physical discipline was often employed, the poem offers a satirical take on sibling rivalry and the consequences of unchecked anger.

The use of rhyme and repetition creates a sing-song rhythm, adding to the playful tone of the poem.

The poem's simplicity and brevity make it accessible to readers of all ages, while the timeless theme of sibling relationships ensures its continued relevance. (hide)
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14  

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