Symbols
The Jabberwock
This creature symbolizes fear and the unknown. Throughout the poem, the Jabberwock is described with menacing qualities like "eyes of flame" and a voracious appetite. It represents the challenges and dangers that individuals must confront in their lives. The act of slaying the Jabberwock can be seen as overcoming one's fears and emerging victorious. Additionally, the fact that the Jabberwock is a nonsensical creature adds to its symbolic nature, suggesting that fear often arises from irrational or incomprehensible sources.
The Vorpal Sword
The vorpal sword symbolizes courage and determination. It is the weapon that the protagonist wields against the Jabberwock, indicating the importance of bravery in facing adversity. The sword's effectiveness in slaying the fearsome creature highlights the power of resolve and decisive action in overcoming obstacles. Moreover, the term "vorpal" itself conveys a sense of sharpness and precision, emphasizing the need for skill and focus in confronting challenges.
Slithy Toves
These words, coined by Lewis Carroll, symbolize the surreal and whimsical nature of the poem and the world it inhabits. They evoke a sense of disorientation and ambiguity, reflecting the fantastical world in which the Jabberwock resides. The repeated references to the "slithy toves" at the start and the end of the poem reinforce the idea that the events taking place are not bound by conventional logic or reality. Instead, they invite readers to embrace the absurdity and imagination inherent in Carroll's nonsensical universe.
