Literary Analysis of Alice Through the Looking-Glass

Do you want to move beyond simply reading classic literature and truly understand the layers of meaning beneath the surface? Alice Through the Looking-Glass is a masterpiece of nonsense, logic, and social commentary ripe for deep textual analysis. This course provides a structured framework for analyzing complex literary works, using Carroll’s sequel as the primary text. You will gain the critical reading skills needed to identify narrative structure, interpret complex symbolism, and appreciate the historical and cultural context of classic literature. What you'll learn: Understand the key literary devices, narrative structure, and character archetypes used throughout the text. Analyze the major philosophical and logical puzzles that underpin the events in the Looking-Glass world. Examine the historical context and social satire Lewis Carroll embedded in the Victorian setting. Practice applying critical reading techniques to differentiate between metaphor, allegory, and pure literary nonsense. Compare the enduring themes of identity, time, and language found in the text with modern literary theory. The course begins with an introduction to Carroll's background and the initial critical reception of the work, followed by chapter-by-chapter textual analysis. We conclude by exploring the work's lasting influence on literature and popular culture. This course is designed for beginners who are new to literary analysis and classic texts. No prior knowledge of literary theory or the Victorian era is required. Start your journey into critical reading today.