Lewis Carroll

Essay text:

Many of the words in this poem are the own creation of the author and only he knows the real interpretation. However, some of the words have been described in the book and others in letters by the author. The words of the previous poem are often a combination of two, maybe even three words, all put into one, while others are just nonsense and for the amusement of the reader. All things considered, here is an attempt at a line by line paraphrase of the poem "Jabberwocky". Jabberwocky: Sense or Nonsense It was evening, and the smooth active badgers Were scratching and boring holes in the hill-side; All unhappy were the parrots; And the grave turtles squeaked out Beware of the Jabberwock, my son! Of its jaws that bite, and its claws that catch! Be aware of the Jubjub bird, and shun The fuming and furious Bandersnatch! He took his mighty sword in hand: For a long time he sought after his enemy from the Isle of Man- So he rested by the Tumtum tree, And stood there a while in thought DuPont 4 And, as in uffish("a state of mind when the voice is gruffish, the manner roughish and the temper huffish" thought he stood The Jabberwock, with fire in his eyes, Came blowing unsteadily in short puffs through the tall and foggy wood, And it bleated, murmured, and warbled as it came One, two! One, two! And through and through The mighty blade was used in battle! He left it dead, and with its head He went triumphantly galloping back "And have you killed the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my radiating son! O fabulous and joyous day! Beautiful! Good! Fair! He chuckled and snorted in his joy...