08 April 2011

Alice In Wonderland Quote by Tweedledee

The famous two characters in Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There" (1871) are best recognized as Tweedledee and Tweedledum.

These two stout individuals, introduced by Carroll, bring to life a nursery rhyme in which they agree to engage in a battle but never actually follow through. Despite the rhyme's suggestion of conflict, the Tweedle brothers never contradict each other. Instead, they harmonize in their words and actions.

Even when faced with the threat of a menacing black crow, they choose flight over fight. This unity in their agreement and cooperation is reflected in John Tenniel's illustrations, which depict them as inseparable twins.

    Tweedledum and Tweedledee
        Agreed to have a battle;
    For Tweedledum said Tweedledee
        Had spoiled his nice new rattle.

    Just then flew down a monstrous crow,
        As black as a tar-barrel;
    Which frightened both the heroes so,
        They quite forgot their quarrel.

So anyways, Alice is  wondering in the woods and trying to get to the 8th square before dark. She meets two fat boys who look like identical school boys. 

Twin brothers Tweedledum and Tweedledee
They have their names embroidered on their collars: TWEEDLEDUM and TWEEDLEDEE. Only DUM and DEE are showing in front.

Alice is in a hurry, since she doesn't want to be in the woods after dark. But the funny little boys don't want to let her go so quickly:

"Contrariwise, if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be;
but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."

- Tweedledee

The boys talk in a funny way saying 'contrariwise' time and again. They say they know what Alice is thinking and this quote is Tweedledee's answer to her thoughts.

But instead Alice says she was only thinking what is the best way out of the forest. Tweedledum and Tweedledee don't take any notice and begin repeating an extremely long piece of poetry for Alice.

If you'd like to get all Lewis Carroll's books (Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass and A Wasp in a Wig) in one package have a look at this interactive illustrated downloadable eBook OR you can get an actual Paperback book.

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