Lewis Carroll 
The Hunting of the Snark 

In ‘The Hunting of the Snark’ by Lewis Carroll, readers are taken on a whimsical and nonsensical journey through a series of fantastical events as a group of characters embark on a hunt for the mysterious Snark. Written in Carroll’s signature style of imaginative wordplay and creative nonsense, this poem is a classic example of Victorian literature that blends humor with deeper philosophical themes. The rhyming scheme and clever use of language make this a timeless piece of literature that appeals to both children and adults alike. As readers delve into the absurdity of the story, they are invited to reflect on the nature of reality, perception, and the human experience. Lewis Carroll’s own background as a mathematician and logician shines through in the intricate puzzles and riddles scattered throughout the poem, adding an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. Overall, ‘The Hunting of the Snark’ is a delightful and thought-provoking read that offers a unique literary experience for those willing to embrace the absurdity of Carroll’s imaginative world.

A propos de l’auteur

Lewis Carroll, born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson on January 27, 1832, in Daresbury, Cheshire, England, was an author, mathematician, and logician who left an indelible mark on the literary world. Carroll is best known for his enduring works of children’s literature, specifically ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ (1865) and its sequel ‘Through the Looking-Glass’ (1871). He blended elements of fantasy, nonsense, and wordplay to create unique narratives that appealed to both children and adults. His mastery over language and poetic form is evident in ‘The Hunting of the Snark’ (1876), a narrative nonsense poem that follows an ‘impossible voyage of an improbable crew to find an inconceivable creature’. The poem explores themes of quest and the absurd, featuring a blend of humor and melancholy, and is exemplary of Carroll’s distinctive style that often challenges logic and embraces the fantastical. Carroll’s contribution to literature extends beyond entertainment, also influencing the study of semantics and linguistics. Despite the whimsical nature of his prose, Carroll was a serious scholar, teaching mathematics at Christ Church, Oxford. He engaged with symbolic logic and puzzle design, which is reflected in the complexity and playfulness of his literary works. Carroll’s legacy lives on, inspiring countless adaptations, interpretations, and academic studies, solidifying him as an extraordinary figure in British literature and culture. His work has transcended the Victorian era, captivating readers and scholars over successive generations.