Poetic Devices
Alliteration
Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity, is a prominent feature in "Jabberwocky." In the first stanza, "brillig" and "borogoves" start with the "b" sound. Also, in the first stanza, "gyre" and "gimble" both start with the "g" sound. This creates a sense of rhythm and whimsy in the poem, contributing to its playful and nonsensical tone.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase across line breaks without a pause, is utilized in "Jabberwocky" to create a flowing and uninterrupted narrative. For example, "He took his vorpal sword in hand; Long time the manxome foe he sought." The sentence begins in one line and continues seamlessly into the next, maintaining the momentum of the action without interruption. Another example is "And, as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame..." The sudden appearance of the creature helps create a flowing and uninterrupted narrative.
Portmanteau
Portmanteau is the blending of two or more words to create a new word with combined meanings. In "Jabberwocky," Lewis Carroll invents several portmanteau words, adding to the whimsical and fantastical nature of the poem.
For example, "slithy" combines "slimy" and "lithe," suggesting both a slippery and agile quality to the toves. Also, "mimsy" combines "miserable" and "flimsy," conveying a sense of both unhappiness and fragility in describing the borogoves.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sound they represent. "Jabberwocky" employs onomatopoeic words to vividly depict actions and sounds within the fantastical world of the poem. For example, "whiffling" imitates the sound of something moving quickly through the air, adding to the sense of the Jabberwock's menacing approach. Also, we have the word "snicker-snack." The repeated "s" and "k" sounds mimic the sharp, cutting motion of the vorpal sword, enhancing the imagery of its swift and decisive action.
Cacophony
Cacophony is the use of harsh or discordant sounds for a deliberate effect. Lewis Carroll employs cacophonous words and phrases to convey a sense of disarray within the whimsical world of the poem. For example, with "frumious Bandersnatch," the combination of "frumious" and "Bandersnatch" creates a cacophonous effect, with the harsh consonant sounds emphasizing the monstrous and fearsome nature of the creature. Similarly, with "whiffling through the tulgey wood," the repetitive "f" and "w" sounds in this phrase create a cacophony, evoking the chaotic and unsettling movement of the Jabberwock through the tangled forest.
