Madness and insanity in the novel “Through the Looking-Glass, and what Alice found there” by Lewis Carroll in Comparison to the Filmic Adaptation produced by Tim Burton

Term Paper , 2016 , 17 Pages

English Language and Literature Studies - Comparative Literature

This term paper deals with the presentation of madness and insanity in the novel ‘Through the looking glass and what Alice found there’ by Lewis Caroll in comparison to the filmic adaption produced by Tim Burton. It will focus on the differences in the general storyline and narrative events, on different characters and what makes them seem mad or insane, as well as the visual aspects of the ‘Wonderland'.

In order to have a more similar storyline in terms of certain events and descriptions of characters, the author will also use arguments and examples regarding the prequel to ‘Alice Through the Looking-Glass’ (2016), namely ‘Alice in Wonderland’ (2010) directed by Tim Burton, and at some points may refer to scenes from the original first novel ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ (1865) by Lewis Carroll, which marks one of the first fantasy novels written for children and “were among the first to offer […] Victorians stories for children with a purpose other than to educate them in how to behave” (Beckman 7).

By doing so, the author will proof the thesis, that madness and insanity do not always have to be bad. Moreover they seem to be a great way to deal with unpleasing or traumatic events in order to make the seemingly impossible possible by believing in its possibility, as well as an opportunity to build up a resistance against society’s cruelty and moral norms and ideals. In addition the author will show why Alice and the Mad Hatter are the heroes based on their madness and what makes Alice a role model for feminism.

Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. Definition, Characteristics and Historical Background

3. Comparison of the Novel and the Filmic Adaptation
3.1. Storyline and Narrative Events
3.2. Mad and Insane Characters
3.2.1. Alice
3.2.2. The Mad Tea Party
3.2.3 Iracebeth of Crims and Mirana Marmoreal

4. Visualisation of Wonderland

5. Conclusion

6. Bibliography

• Author: Jessica Schur (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 17
• Catalog Number: V374844
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668513327
• ISBN (Book): 9783668513334
• Language: German
• Tags: madness, through, looking-glass, alice, lewis, carroll, comparison, filmic, adaptation, burton