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The Real Story Behind Alice in Wonderland Is Nothing Like The Beloved Classic
The inspiration for the 19th-century fantasy novel cannot be more alarming
In 2019, Time Magazine listed its 100 best fantasy books. Some of the finest authors of this era, including Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin, and Sabaa Tahir, curated the list.
They placed Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland on the top 3.
It’s incredible to note that they hold such regard for his story, given its dark background.
Alice in Wonderland is a 19th-century fantasy novel inspired by a 10-year-old girl named Alice. Carroll had an unusual relationship with the girl, something that’s hugely frowned upon and condemned in today’s society.
Or any society, for that matter.
The twisted perspective
Here’s the spoiler-free gist of the story if you haven’t read it.
A young girl named Alice falls through a rabbit hole into fantasy land. Over there, she encounters quirky creatures, bizarre traps, and strange events. It helps her understand life, and finally, she wakes up for tea.
Now, I know the plot sounds absurd. But it’s enchanting.
This story is famous and adored for its irresistible writing and creativity. Carroll filled it with humorous plots and witty puns. The idea of cruising through an imagined land was fascinating.
I loved Alice. I wanted to be Alice. I desired to be Alice in that Wonderland.
But little did I know that there’s more to the story, for it changed my perspective completely.
The disturbing origins of this story
Carroll met the Liddells in the 1850s when he was about 24 years old.
Alice’s father was the dean of the Christ Church College at the University of Oxford. Carroll was a maths tutor and photographer when the two first met at a church event. They hit it off instantly.
So, on April 25, 1856, Carroll met 4-year-old Alice for the first time. And boy, she instantly captivated him. He even considered it a special day that he had to…
