'The Hunting Of The Snark' by Lewis Carroll


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DedicationInscribed to a dear Child:
in memory of golden summer hours
and whispers of a summer sea.Girt with a boyish garb for boyish task,Eager she wields her spade; yet loves as well
Rest on a friendly knee, intent to askThe tale he loves to tell.Rude spirits of the seething outer strife,Unmeet to read her pure and simple spright,
Deem, if you list, such hours a waste of life,Empty of all delight!Chat on, sweet Maid, and rescue from annoyHearts that by wiser talk are unbeguiled.
Ah, happy he who owns that tenderest joy,The heart-love of a child!Away, fond thoughts, and vex my soul no more!Work claims my wakeful nights, my busy days--
Albeit bright memories of that sunlit shoreYet haunt my dreaming gaze!PREFACE

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Hunting Of The Snark: A Literary Masterpiece By Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll, the famous author of Alice in Wonderland, has yet again left us spellbound with his masterpiece, The Hunting Of The Snark. This whimsical, playful, and imaginative poem is a work of genius that has captivated readers of all ages and continues to do so even after more than a century since its first publication in 1876.

Synopsis

The Hunting Of The Snark is a narrative poem that tells the story of a group of ten adventurers who embark on a perilous journey in search of the elusive Snark. The Snark is described as a mysterious creature that is both elusive and dangerous. The adventurers, led by the Bellman, set sail on a ship named the "Jubjub" in search of the Snark.

As they journey through strange and unknown lands, they encounter various obstacles, including the frumious Bandersnatch, the Jubjub bird, and the Boojum. Despite these challenges, the adventurers remain determined to find the Snark, even though they are unsure of what it looks like, where it is, or even if it exists.

Analysis

The Hunting Of The Snark is a complex and multi-layered poem that touches upon various themes and motifs. One of the most prominent themes is the search for meaning and purpose. The adventurers in the poem are all searching for something, whether it is the Snark, adventure, or simply a sense of purpose. This theme is evident in the following lines:

"For the Snark's a peculiar creature, that won't
Be caught in a commonplace way.
Do all that you know, and try all that you don't:
Not a chance must be wasted to-day!"

The poem also explores the concept of perception and reality. The adventurers in the poem are unsure of what the Snark looks like, where it is, or even if it exists. This uncertainty is reflected in the following lines:

"They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care;
They pursued it with forks and hope;
They threatened its life with a railway-share;
They charmed it with smiles and soap."

Carroll uses various literary devices to convey his message, including humor, irony, satire, and nonsense. The poem is full of puns, wordplay, and absurd situations that make it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Carroll's love for wordplay is evident in the following lines:

"He had bought a large map representing the sea,
Without the least vestige of land:
And the crew were much pleased when they found it to be
A map they could all understand."

The Hunting Of The Snark has also been interpreted as a commentary on the human condition. The poem explores the themes of mortality, futility, and the inevitability of death. The adventurers in the poem are on a journey that is both dangerous and ultimately futile. This theme is reflected in the following lines:

"But oh, beamish nephew, beware of the day,
If your Snark be a Boojum! For then
You will softly and suddenly vanish away,
And never be met with again!"

Interpretation

The Hunting Of The Snark is a poem that can be interpreted in various ways. Some readers see it as a lighthearted, whimsical tale, while others see it as a dark and existential commentary on the human condition. The poem's ambiguous nature allows readers to interpret it in a way that resonates with their own experiences and beliefs.

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the futility of life. The adventurers in the poem are on a journey that is both dangerous and ultimately pointless. They are searching for something that they do not even know exists, and even if they find it, it may not bring them the fulfillment they seek. This interpretation is reflected in the following lines:

"For the Snark was a Boojum, you see.
...
It's a thing that happens to frequently:
The loss of one's head."

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the human search for truth and meaning. The adventurers in the poem are on a quest for the Snark, which represents the ultimate truth or meaning. However, their quest is futile because the Snark is elusive and may not even exist. This interpretation is reflected in the following lines:

"He had brought a large number of maps and books
On subjects he understood well,
And engaged in writing at tables and nooks
When the Bellman rang the bell."

Conclusion

The Hunting Of The Snark is a literary masterpiece that has captivated readers for more than a century. The poem's multi-layered themes and motifs allow for various interpretations, making it a timeless work of art. Carroll's use of humor, irony, satire, and nonsense make the poem both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The poem's ambiguous nature allows readers to interpret it in a way that resonates with their own experiences and beliefs. Whether it is a lighthearted tale or a dark commentary on the human condition, The Hunting Of The Snark is a work of genius that continues to inspire and fascinate readers of all ages.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Hunting of the Snark: A Masterpiece of Nonsense Poetry

Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, is known for his whimsical and imaginative writing style. His works have been enjoyed by readers of all ages for over a century. One of his lesser-known works, The Hunting of the Snark, is a masterpiece of nonsense poetry that deserves more recognition.

The Hunting of the Snark is a narrative poem that tells the story of a group of adventurers who set out to hunt a mysterious creature called the Snark. The poem is divided into eight "fits," or chapters, each of which describes a different stage of the journey. The poem is full of wordplay, puns, and absurdity, making it a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh.

The poem begins with an introduction to the crew of the ship that will be hunting the Snark. The crew is made up of a Bellman, a Boots, a Bonnet-maker, a Barrister, a Broker, a Billiard-marker, a Banker, and a Butcher. Each member of the crew has a specific role to play in the hunt, and each is described in a humorous and exaggerated way.

The Bellman, for example, is described as having "a thin sallow face, / With a nose like a rasp, which he used like a brace, / And spectacles made of a tortoise's shell." The Boots, on the other hand, is described as having "soles like a snail." These descriptions are not meant to be taken seriously, but rather to add to the overall absurdity of the poem.

As the crew sets sail, they encounter a number of obstacles and challenges. They must navigate treacherous waters, avoid dangerous creatures, and deal with their own internal conflicts. Along the way, they encounter a number of strange characters, including a Beaver who insists on building a dam, a Baker who is obsessed with making pies, and a Bandersnatch, a creature that is even more elusive than the Snark itself.

One of the most memorable characters in the poem is the Jubjub bird, a creature that is described as having "a beak like a shark, / And the face of a billiard-marker." The Jubjub bird is feared by all who encounter it, and its presence adds a sense of danger and excitement to the poem.

Despite the many challenges they face, the crew remains determined to catch the Snark. They search high and low, through forests and over mountains, until they finally come face to face with the creature itself. The Snark is described as being "soft and snuggly and warm," and the crew is overjoyed to have finally caught it.

However, their joy is short-lived, as they soon discover that the Snark is not what they thought it was. In fact, it is something far more dangerous and terrifying than they could have ever imagined. The poem ends on a somber note, with the crew realizing that their quest was ultimately futile.

The Hunting of the Snark is a masterpiece of nonsense poetry that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. On the surface, it is a lighthearted tale of adventure and humor. However, upon closer examination, it is a commentary on the nature of human ambition and the futility of our search for meaning in the world.

The crew's quest for the Snark can be seen as a metaphor for our own search for happiness and fulfillment. We often pursue goals that we believe will bring us happiness, only to find that they are ultimately unsatisfying. Like the crew, we may find ourselves lost and disillusioned, wondering what the point of it all was.

The poem also touches on the theme of the unknown and the fear that comes with it. The Snark is a mysterious creature that is feared by all who encounter it. Its elusiveness and unpredictability add to the sense of danger and excitement in the poem. This fear of the unknown is something that we can all relate to, as we navigate the uncertain waters of life.

In conclusion, The Hunting of the Snark is a delightful and thought-provoking work of nonsense poetry. Its whimsical characters, absurd situations, and clever wordplay make it a joy to read. However, beneath the surface, it is a commentary on the human condition and the futility of our search for meaning in the world. It is a timeless work that will continue to be enjoyed by readers of all ages for generations to come.

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