Artistic Style, Influences, and Major Themes

It can be said that any craftsman, whether it is a musician, artist, or a writer, has the potential to be original in their works, but to be original, they have to have something they can jump off of and a systematic way of going about the process in which they use to create their works of art. It is no doubt that Lewis Carrol’s literary works are unique, but even an artist as unique as Carrol,has influences. Lewis Carroll filled several different positions that contributed to his repertoire of influences. "Many aspects of Lewis Carroll's life influenced his writing. Some of these aspects include his mathematical background and logical disposition, interest in and photography of little girls, abnormal eating habits, dual personality, sleeping difficulties, Victorian lifestyle, and neglected childhood. These characteristics of his life are reflected in his literature, including in his most well-known novel, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"(Brady).



Carroll was a very logical man, and this sense of correct thinking was integrated into his writings. Though he used logic in his literary works, he also mingled in non-sense. And in some cases, he made non-sense logical. Carroll made logic a major theme in his novels. "His fiction novels were full of elements of logic, such as cards, chess, and mirror reversals. The appearance of chess and croquet in Carroll's writing is due to his own interest and participation in these activities"(Brady).

One must remember that Carroll grew up and lived in the time of the Victorian era. Knowing this is important in understanding the themes and the influences in his work. "Carroll lived during the Victorian era, which influenced his writing. Queen Victoria reigned during this time period, so female dominance is displayed in Carroll's writing. In the Alice stories, the Queen of Hearts overcomes the King both in size and power. Also, the Duchess overpowers her husband and is in control of the household." (Brady,Bloom).

Works Cited

Brady. "The Influence of Lewis Carroll's Life on His Work." Omegabrands. 1998. Web. 6 May 2010

http://www.omegabrands.com/carroll/lcbio.html


Brady. Bloom,Harold. Online Posting. Alice-in-wonderland. 1998. Web. 6 May 2010.

http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/explain/alice847.html