"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," commonly known as "Alice in Wonderland," is a novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. It was published in 1865.
The story follows a young girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world populated by peculiar and anthropomorphic creatures. The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as children.
Here is a brief summary of the story:
One sunny day, Alice is sitting by the riverbank with her sister when she notices a White Rabbit wearing a waistcoat and muttering to himself about being late. Curious, Alice follows him down a rabbit hole. This leads her into a whimsical world where she encounters various strange characters and experiences a series of bizarre and surreal events.
In this world, Alice changes size after consuming various foods and drinks, engages in a nonsensical conversation with the Cheshire Cat, attends a never-ending tea party with the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, and plays a game of croquet with the Queen of Hearts using flamingos as mallets and hedgehogs as balls.
Throughout her journey, Alice struggles with the illogical and often tyrannical rules of Wonderland. She meets a host of memorable characters, including the hookah-smoking Caterpillar, the Duchess with her pepper-obsessed cook, and the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle, who recount the story of the Lobster Quadrille.
The story culminates in a trial where the Knave of Hearts is accused of stealing the Queen's tarts. Alice, who has grown in size and confidence, stands up to the Queen's irrational demands. As the chaos reaches its peak, Alice wakes up to find herself back by the riverbank with her sister, realizing that her adventures were all a dream.
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is celebrated for its imaginative narrative, rich symbolism, and the way it challenges the norms of Victorian society. It remains a beloved classic in children's literature and continues to inspire adaptations in various media.