Lewis Carroll: Through the Looking Glass (Lerner Biographies)
A Lerner biography Series
on Goodreads (30)
What’s inside...
Written to entertain rather than instruct, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass revolutionised the nature of children's literature. The eldest son in a large, happy family, Carroll grew up telling stories to his brothers and sisters. In addition to writing children's books and poetry, he taught mathematics and was a celebrated amateur photographer. Through his own writings as well as those of friends, his fascinating life is revealed here, more than a century since his death.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about Alice’s adventures in the mirror world? How do they compare to her adventures in Wonderland?
How does Alice change throughout her journey in 'Through the Looking Glass'? What challenges does she face and how does she overcome them?
What does the character of the Red Queen teach us about leadership and rules?
Why do you think Lewis Carroll chose chess as a central theme in the story? How do the chess pieces relate to the characters?
What lessons can we learn from Alice’s curiosity and sense of adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own mirror world: what would it look like, and what kind of characters would live there? Use open-ended questions to explore their creative responses. Draw parallels between Alice's challenges and real-life situations your child might encounter, discussing possible solutions or outcomes. Highlight the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes, as demonstrated by Alice. Discuss how every character in the book contributes to the story, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a unique role to play.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Throughout 'Through the Looking Glass', the protagonist, Alice, showcases her curiosity and sense of adventure as she explores the whimsical world beyond the looking glass. Her interactions and the challenges she faces emphasize the value of being inquisitive and open to new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing their natural curiosity and exploring new subjects, asking questions, and engaging in creative play to discover more about the world around them.
Example Lesson: The significance of critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Alice encounters various puzzles and peculiar characters that challenge her problem-solving skills. For instance, her chess-like moves across the board game reflect strategic thinking and maneuvering through obstacles intelligently.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of thinking critically and finding solutions to problems they encounter in school or during social interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding and acceptance of different perspectives
Explanation: Alice's journey introduces her to a host of characters who view the world in unique and often contradictory ways. This exposure helps her (and the reader) to see the value in considering multiple perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate different viewpoints and understand that people see and interact with the world in diverse ways, which is crucial for fostering empathy and social harmony.
Example Lesson: The value of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: In her adventures, Alice frequently faces setbacks and confusing situations that test her resolve. However, she continues to navigate through these challenges, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep pushing forward and persisting through their own difficulties, be it in learning new skills, dealing with school tasks, or interpersonal issues.
Example Lesson: Growth and self-discovery
Explanation: Alice's experiences in the fantasy world mirror a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Each encounter and challenge serves as a learning point that contributes to her understanding of herself and her capabilities.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to view their own life experiences as opportunities for personal development and learning more about their interests, strengths, and areas for improvement.