The Walrus and the Carpenter Poem Analysis
Navigating the Enigmatic World of "The Walrus and the Carpenter"Introduction
"The Walrus and the Carpenter" is a narrative poem written by Lewis Carroll, featured in his 1871 novel "Through the Looking-Glass." The poem is recited by Tweedledum and Tweedledee, two characters Alice encounters during her journey in the Looking-Glass world. Blending whimsy, allegory, and moral quandaries, "The Walrus and the Carpenter" has been analyzed and interpreted in various ways since its publication. This article will explore the poem's structure, themes, and symbolism, offering insights into the enigmatic world Carroll created.
Structure
The poem is composed of 18 stanzas, each containing six lines. Carroll employs an ABCBDB rhyme scheme, with the B rhymes usually consisting of single-syllable words. The consistent meter and rhyme scheme provide a sense of cohesion and continuity, which contrasts with the poem's surreal content.
Themes
Deception and Exploitation: The poem tells the story of a walrus and a carpenter who invite a group of young oysters to join them on a walk along the beach. Despite the oysters' initial hesitation, the walrus and carpenter manage to persuade them to follow. The oysters soon discover they have been deceived, as the walrus and carpenter intend to eat them. This theme of deception and exploitation reflects the darker side of human nature, as well as the power dynamics between the cunning and the innocent.
Absurdity and Nonsense: As with much of Carroll's work, "The Walrus and the Carpenter" is filled with nonsensical and absurd elements, such as talking animals, suns that set and rise at will, and moonlit walks during the day. This theme can be seen as a critique of the illogical and contradictory aspects of society, or as a playful exploration of the limits of language and imagination.
Moral Ambiguity: The poem raises questions about morality, as both the walrus and carpenter are portrayed as simultaneously sympathetic and malevolent. The walrus is depicted as being more compassionate, lamenting the fate of the oysters, while the carpenter is focused on practical matters. However, both characters ultimately share the responsibility for the oysters' demise. This theme invites readers to consider the complexities of moral judgments and the often blurry lines between right and wrong.
Symbolism
The Walrus and the Carpenter: The two titular characters can be seen as symbols of various dichotomies. They might represent different aspects of human nature (emotional vs. rational), social classes (upper vs. lower), or even political ideologies (liberal vs. conservative). The poem's refusal to designate one character as definitively "good" or "bad" underscores the moral ambiguity that pervades the narrative.
The Oysters: The young, naive oysters can be interpreted as a symbol of innocence and vulnerability. Their tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following authority or succumbing to persuasive rhetoric.
The Moon and the Sun: The poem's celestial bodies may represent the duality of light and darkness, as well as the irrationality of the world they illuminate. The sun's unusual behavior (setting and rising at the request of the walrus) and the moon's presence during the day contribute to the poem's overall atmosphere of absurdity.
Conclusion
"The Walrus and the Carpenter" is a rich and enigmatic poem that invites a multitude of interpretations. Its blend of whimsy, moral complexity, and absurdity has captivated readers for generations, making it a quintessential example of Lewis Carroll's unique literary style. By engaging with the poem's structure