The Fascinating World of Alice in Wonderland

There are few people out there who don’t know something about Alice in Wonderland. Even if you haven’t read the book or seen the classic 1951 Disney film or Tim Burton’s more recent live-action version, you at least know about Alice and her trip down the rabbit hole.

And what a strange trip it is. Though written as a children’s tale, there are some seriously sinister aspects to Lewis Carroll’s tale. Like Roald Dahl, with his great number of equally off-kilter children's stories, Carroll knew that kids don't want perfect shiny bubblegum stories.

This more realistic picture of childhood imagination is what gives Alice in Wonderland its staying power. In fact, the story has even reached beyond the realm of film and literature, into the real world.

The Mad Hatter, illustration by John Tenniel

The Rabbit Hole

First things first: that rabbit hole. Alice goes on and on about how her own ideal world would be a “wonderland.” It’s a nice thought, but then the next thing that happens is she stumbles into a rather terrifying free fall after innocently following a cute white rabbit.

It doesn’t take long for us to realize that Alice’s Wonderland isn’t going to be quite what we expected from its name.

Alice In Wonderland Syndrome

Next up, Alice has to go through an ordeal during which she’s required to drink unidentified potions and tonics that do strange things to her body: make her big, make her small, stretch her neck, and so on.

Turns out this sensation isn’t just confined to children’s novels. Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is a real neurological condition in which people feel like different parts of their body change size and shape. In fact, Lewis Carroll is said to have suffered from this condition himself.

Mad Hatter Disease

Another part of Alice in Wonderland that reaches into real life is the character of the Mad Hatter. Most likely based on an eccentric furniture dealer Carroll knew, the Hatter also displays symptoms of erethism, otherwise known as mercury poisoning or "mad hatter disease."

In the 19th century—when Alice was written—hat makers used mercury to help shape the chapeaus they made, leading, unfortunately, to hallucinations, excessive excitability, muscle spasms, and suicidal tendencies.

The Cheshire Cat

Equally parts frightening and friendly, one of the most memorable parts of Alice in Wonderland is the Cheshire Cat. Ostensibly her friend, the Cheshire Cat is still a bit too creepy to trust fully (what with that disappearing grin trick). The mixed feelings we all have about the Cheshire Cat offer an excellent lesson to children while offering up a few thrills.

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