# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
'Jabberwocky' is perhaps the most famous nonsense poem in all of English literature. Although the poem was first published in Lewis Carroll's novel Through the Looking Glass in 1871, the first stanza was actually written and printed by Carroll in 1855 in the little periodical Mischmasch, which Carroll (real name Charles Dodgson) compiled to entertain his family. Below is 'Jabberwocky' (sometimes erroneously called 'The Jabberwocky'), followed by a brief analysis of its meaning. 'Nonsense' literature it may be, but let's see if we can make some sense of the glorious nonsense.
Jabberwocky: a summary
In terms of its plot, 'Jabberwocky' might be described as nonsense literature's answer to the epic Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf: what Christopher Booker, in his vast and fascinating The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories, calls an 'overcoming the monster' story.

A hero leaves home and goes out into the world in order to face down some evil; after encountering difficulties and tests of his bravery, he is triumphant and vanquishes his foe; and then he comes home again. It's a story told again and again in literature, from Beowulf to The Lord of the Rings. Of course it is also an example of what we would now call the fantasy genre: supernatural or fictional monsters or creatures feature (namely, in Carroll's poem, the Jubjub Bird, the Bandersnatch, and, of course, the Jabberwock itself.

The structure of Carroll's poem echoes this basic plot structure ('overcoming the monster') in two ways: through adopting the ballad metre traditionally used for poems telling such a story (that is, the four-line stanza, or quatrain form), and through repeating the opening stanza in the closing stanza, suggesting the hero's return home after his adventure.
Jabberwocky: an analysis
As well as being an example of a fantasy quest, the poem is also a masterpiece of linguistic inventiveness: every stanza is a feast of neologisms - new words, coinages, nonsense formations. Several of them have even entered common usage: 'chortle' (a blend of 'chuckle' and 'snort') and 'galumph' (meaning to move in a clumsy way) are both used by many people who probably have no idea that we have Lewis Carroll to thank for them. ('Mimsy', too, is often credited to Carroll - though it actually existed prior to the poem.)

Consider that opening stanza:

Consider Carroll's use of (invented) words in this stanza. What are 'toves', and why are they 'slithy'? What does 'slithiness' (is that a word?) look or feel like? The same with 'mimsy'. Noam Chomsky's ground-breaking work in linguistics surrounding children's ability to acquire a linguistic 'grammar' demonstrated that even if we don't know the meaning of a word, we can often deduce what kind of word it is: i.e. we know 'mimsy' is an adjective, or describing-word, even though we don't fully know what 'mimsiness' is.

Carroll is using both 'slithy' and 'mimsy' as portmanteau words: slithy, for example, is a blend of slimy + lithe, while mimsy suggests miserable + flimsy. Another term for a portmanteau word is, in fact, a blend, and some linguists prefer to use the word blend. But the term 'portmanteau' came about because, after Alice has encountered the poem 'Jabberwocky' in Through the Looking-Glass, and puzzled over the meaning of these unfamiliar words, she meets Humpty Dumpty, who tells her, when she quotes the above stanza:
'That's enough to begin with,' Humpty Dumpty interrupted: 'there are plenty of hard words there. "Brillig" means four o'clock in the afternoon - the time when you begin broiling things for dinner.' 'That'll do very well,' said Alice: 'and "slithy"?' 'Well, "slithy" means "lithe and slimy". "Lithe" is the same as "active". You see it's like a portmanteau - there are two meanings packed up into one word.'
A portmanteau was, in Victorian times, a case or bag for carrying clothing while travelling; the word is from the French meaning literally 'carry the cloak'.

So, as well as being a fine piece of imaginative literature, 'Jabberwocky' also demonstrates a central principle of language: what linguists call productivity or open-endedness, namely the phenomenon whereby users of a language can endlessly create new words or phrases. As Noam Chomsky's theory of a Universal Grammar shows, users of a language demonstrate an innate linguistic creativity from a young age, and this is how children are able to pick up a new language relatively quickly: they learn not simply by acquiring knowledge, but by using an in-built talent for spotting how words are put together to form meaningful utterances. If something is both lithe and slimy, why not combine the two words - both their sounds and their meanings - to create slithy?

Here is a brief glossary of what the various nonsense words in 'Jabberwocky' mean. As poems go, this one must have one of the highest rates of neologism-to-words of all classic poems in the English language. Perhaps surprisingly, many of them have found their way into the Oxford English Dictionary; we have put ( OED) after those words which have an entry in the dictionary.

Jabberwock: the monster (with jaws and claws - we aren't given much else by way of description) ( OED with the extended meaning 'incoherent or nonsensical expression')

brillig: the time when people begin broiling things for dinner (around 4pm)

slithy: lithe and slimy ( OED)

toves: a (fictional) species of badger with horns like a stag and which lives predominantly on cheese ( OED)

gyre: twirl around like a gyre (actually predates Carroll)

gimble: bore holes like a gimlet

wabe: the wet side of a hill soaked by the rain ( OED)

mimsy: unhappy or miserable ( OED)

borogoves: (fictional) type of bird

mome: grave or solemn ( OED)

raths: (fictional) turtle with a mouth like a shark and a smooth green body; lives on swallows and oysters ( OED)

outgrabe: emitted a strange noise (past tense of, presumably, outgribe) ( OED)

Jubjub bird: 'An imaginary bird of a ferocious, desperate and occasionally charitable nature, noted for its excellence when cooked' ( OED)

frumious: so angry or furious as to be fuming ( OED)

Bandersnatch: 'A fleet, furious, fuming, fabulous creature, of dangerous propensities, immune to bribery and too fast to flee from; later, used vaguely to suggest any creature with such qualities' ( OED)

vorpal: (of a sword) keen and deadly ( OED)

manxome: fearsome or monstrous ( OED)

Tumtum tree: a fictional tree

uffish: huffish ( OED)

whiffling: blowing in puffs or gusts of air (this word predates Carroll)

tulgey: thick, dense, and dark ( OED)

burbled: to speak in murmurs ( OED)

snicker-snack: with a snipping or clicking sound ( OED)

galumphing: to gallop in triumph ( OED)

beamish: radiant or shining (this word predates Carroll)

frabjous: fair and joyous; fabulous ( OED)

chortled: chuckled and snorted ( OED)

For more information about what individual words of the poem mean, see Humpty Dumpty's explanation of 'Jabberwocky' from Through the Looking-Glass. Continue your odyssey into the world of nonsense verse with our discussion of Edward Lear's 'The Owl and the Pussycat'.
The author of this article, Dr Oliver Tearle, is a literary critic and lecturer in English at Loughborough University. He is the author of, among others, The Secret Library: A Book-Lovers' Journey Through Curiosities of History and The Great War, The Waste Land and the Modernist Long Poem. Image: Illustration for 'Jabberwocky' by John Tenniel, 1871; Wikimedia Commons.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Short Analysis of 'Jabberwocky' by Lewis Carroll

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By Dr Oliver Tearle 'Jabberwocky' is perhaps the most famous nonsense poem in all of English literature. Although the poem was first published in Lewis Carroll's novel Through the Looking Glass in 1871, the first stanza was actually written and printed by Carroll in 1855 in the little periodical Mischmasch, which Carroll (real name Charles Dodgson) compiled to entertain his family....

# data[].attributes.body
I believe this poem is about a parental figure warning a son about fighting in some type of war or battle. The Jabberwocky could represent the other side along with all of the other "animals" mentioned in the poem. The "callooh, callay" is obviously some type of victory chant, so the fight could have been won.

# data[].attributes.body
I think the poem is about a boy with a very bold imagination. He makes up this fight scene in his head with this creature called the Jabberwocky.

# data[].attributes.body
My interpretation of this poem is that an older peron is warning a young boy of a deadly creature. This creature resembles a bird and has a sword. This may be metaphorical. The bird appears to be ruthless.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe this poem is talking about a man's journey on an adventure, and some parental figure is trying to change the man's view of the situation so he will not go on the journey. However, this just encourages the man to go on the journey even more, so he slays the Jabberwocky. When he gets back to his home, the parental figure is full of pride when he finds out the Jabberwocky is slain.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that this poem is more of a metaphorical meaning for facing your fears in a sense. When it says he slays" the monster or jabberwocky in this, he is really fighting a fear while his parental figure cheers him on. This could be wrong but that's how I interpreted it.

# data[].attributes.body
I have no idea. It has a lot of nonsense words to me. Sorry!!

# data[].attributes.body
This poem was really hard for me to understand. From the parts that I could understand it kind of remind me of Beowolf. I think the poem is about a parent warning the child about a monster. This monster could represent different lessons that a child can face. ex. depression, anxiety

# data[].attributes.body
In this poem it seems to be a warning to a person’s son. The warning as a whole is talking about a thing/creature named the Jabberwocky. It goes in great details of imagery on what the Jabberwocky is capable of.

# data[].attributes.body
I think this poem is about a father warning his son about surprises. The surprise in this case is a Jabberwocky who could hurt the son. That is all I really understood.

# data[].attributes.body
It was dark, the elements harsh as can be
All were sound asleep, the rest out for blood

Warnings of Jabberwocky were just as he was surely near
Beware of its danger

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that this poem is about a parent who is giving a warning to their son. While warning their child, he describes the warning as the Jabberwocky. While describing the Jabberwocky, he states what the Jabberwocky can do and the skills he can fulfill to fear their son.

# data[].attributes.body
This night was dark and cold
Those who slept slumbered in peace
And those aroused stood on guard.

Beware the enemy, my son!
Their swords clash and horses gallop.
Beware their allies and the terrible general.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that this poem is reminding one that in life we will face many battles that we may fear and not be ready for. Be that as it may, we have to fight with everything we have to make it through and receive the victory we've been waiting for.

# data[].attributes.body
It was a cold and dreadful night
Those asleep were peaceful
But others were out for revenge.

Beware of the dangerous Jabberwocky, son!
He uses his teeth and claws for evil.
Beware of the friends he has, they are dangerous as well.

# data[].attributes.body
It was a cold and misty night
Everything was still and quiet
Except for the creatures that comes out at night

Watch out for the Jabberwock
He is a dangerous, ruthless creature
Watch out for the Jubjub birds
They are just as deadly

# data[].attributes.body
It was later in the evening and there were many creatures awake, despite the time. It was also quite chilly due to the wind.

A warning was given regarding one creature in particular, the Jabberwocky. An older person describes to a younger boy the danger he could encounter amongst meeting the Jabberwocky. He had strong jaws and sharp claws to follow. Beware of him, and many others like him.

# data[].attributes.body
It was a cool and dreary night.
Most everyone was safe at home.
The slightest sound gave you chills.

Watch out for the Jabberwock!
His teeth and claws will hurt you.
Beware of his army of birds and unknowns

# data[].attributes.body
In the dark spooky woods,

all foggy and no one in sight.

This is a place where no one goes,

because it will give you a fright.

Heed my warning my poor boy

as a monster lives in there.

He is called the "Jubberwock" and

your throat he can cleanly tear.

# data[].attributes.body
It was a gloomy and foggy night
as everytjo

# data[].attributes.body
When I found out that most of the words used in almost all the stanzas were nonsense words via combination, it made me want to relook at the stanzas and try to put them together and break them down. I also learned that each nonsense word had its own breakdown in this article. In terms of translating into the classroom, I think it delves into the usefulness of taking a second look at material after gaining some background knowledge on it.

# data[].attributes.body
It was late in the evening, very dark and very spooky. Where one dreads to be walking out alone. It seems that there is no one in sight..

But watch out for the creature who stalks its prey. It has jaws that bite and large claws to wrap you in its grasp.

# data[].attributes.body
’Twas electric and bold

In the town so old

all joyful and merry were they

But an eery time was about to arrive

The creature that bites

And creeps through the night

The vultures are hungry and wait with the wolves

For the jabberwocky to kill its pray

# data[].attributes.body
I had already known that this poem was a nonsense poem. It was a part of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" novels. I did, however, find a new perspective within reading the article that just built itself on to my previous knowledge. I did not realize that it was possible Carroll was writing to respond to Beowulf. Within the classroom, I believe that this poem would be a good introduction to show the class poems do not have to be boring, but can still not make much sense. I think it would so be a good introduction into if you read the "Alice in Wonderland" book with your class.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe the poem is about a grandmother trying to do all she can to protect her grandson. He seems to be in adventurous type, but granny wants him to be safe.

# data[].attributes.body
When I learned that Lewis Carroll wrote "Jabberwocky", it made complete sense to me that half of the words in this poem were made up. However, I thought it was interesting how this is his take on a story like "Beowulf". For such a cliche 'man slays the beast and wins the day' kind of story, it makes sense that Carroll puts his own little  spin on it to either confuse readers or make them think of a deeper meaning.
I think this would translate every nicely into the classroom. When the student read it, have them rewrite the poem like we did, then give them the answer as to what the poem means and stands for. This can teach the students that writing and reading poetry can be fun, and that it is not always cliche and boring.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading the article I got a better idea of what the poem was about. When I think about bringing this experience to the classroom it is very clear to me that it is important to give my students some background knowledge about the material before starting some new concept, and it is also very clear to me the importance of taking a second or a third look at the material. Translating into a classroom this second or third look could be a chapter review, for example.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading this article, I am happy that I was on the right track when I analyzed the poem. The article mentioned Beowolf just like I mentioned. It was interesting to know that the poem was full of nonsense words because I thought they were in another language like Old English. As far as the summary of the poem, I believe I was on the right path. The character was facing a demon that has been haunting him for a while. I enjoyed reading and analyzing this poem.

# data[].attributes.body
Previously knowing the poem from high school choir, I knew it was a nonsense poem. It was nice to be refreshed with what all of the words meant. In the classroom I think it is a great way to connect the students to the poem. By having them guess what they think is means gets them engaged in the poem and will hopefully make them want to know more or the true meaning behind it.

# data[].attributes.body
This poem was confusing to me the first time I read it. I was happy to find out I was actually reading a nonsense poem. This can translate into the classroom by showing students they can be creative with their writing and that they can use their imagination to show what they are thinking.

# data[].attributes.body
It was a gloomy and foggy night
Everything was slient in the crisp air
As the creatures await while the Silence carries throughout the night.
Here my call of my warning, my son!
As the Jabberwocky is filled with capabilities.
Here my calling of my warning of the Jub Jub bird!
Where the bird is filled with evil skills as to harming you, my son.

# data[].attributes.body
When given background knowledge, I was quite relieved to find out most of the words were nonsense. I really struggled to understand the context in which the odd words were being used. Many of those words were describing creatures I have never heard of before. Because of the background knowledge, the poem makes more sense.

# data[].attributes.body
As I read the article I sighed in relief to know I did get the monster right however there were 3. Even-though the poem was really hard to understand I was glad to figure out that it was purposefully confusing because it was a “nonsense poem”. You can use this as an opportunity to improve students skills on poem writing and reading by having them make up "neoligisms" like slimy (miserable + flimsy).

# data[].attributes.body
It was a dark, cold night
All the critters gave
Granny wearing her knit gloves
Late at night the darkness sang

You ought to be careful in these woods
There is something lurking at night
never know whats watching you
Beware young one for it will Get Ya!

# data[].attributes.body
The poem was difficult to read and after receiving background knowledge, it helps understand that a lot of words are just nonsense. It makes readers believe there is a deeper knowledge or providing one the opportunity to come up with their own version of what it could mean.
When it comes to a classroom, students have to have prior knowledge of any given text or subject in order to understand what is going on. This helps store and build on students knowledge during and after a given lesson or assignment.

# data[].attributes.body
The article provided me with a better concept of the poem. As I began to read the article, it helped me understand more by providing a lot of better understanding vocabulary and synonyms to help us grasp a better concept of the terms throughout the poem. The article also helped my understanding of the poem by providing me with feedback, and story lines of what they stanzas mean and how they accompany by their meaning of the poem. I really liked how the article provided us with a more clear understanding of the poem by describing the wording. These really helped my understanding of the poem and I now have more of a clear picture.

# data[].attributes.body
Reading it the second time and getting information from it, now I know that "mimsy" is not grandmother, but meaning miserable instead.  Its not a grandmother trying to protect someone. Its someone trying to protect their world. Make something out of their name.
We look at stuff with one perspective and typically stick with that one. When you open your eyes and see stuff with other perspectives, it opens everything up and may work better. With the classroom. Sometimes its okay if we look at stuff in a new sight, then keeping with the old ways. Like this poem, its one way to see it as a grandmother trying ti protect her son. But really its just someone trying to protect their town. Still involves protecting.