Said Alice Quote by Lewis Carroll
““That would never do, I'm sure,' said Alice: 'the governess would never think of excusing me lessons for that. If she couldn't remember my name, she'd call me "Miss!" as the servants do.' Well. if she said "Miss," and didn't say anything more,' the Gnat remarked, 'of course you'd miss your lessons. That's a joke. I wish YOU had made it.' Why do you wish I had made it?' Alice asked. 'It's a very bad one.' But the Gnat only sighed deeply, while two large tears came rolling down its cheeks. You shouldn't make jokes,' Alice said, 'if it makes you so unhappy.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Through the Looking‑Glass, Lewis Carroll, 1871
Alice’s dialogue shows how jokes can mask deeper insecurity and cause unintended hurt.
In simple terms: Jokes can hurt if not careful.
Key Takeaway
Consider the impact before joking.
Themes
communication
empathy
humor
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- classroom interactions
- online comments
- friendship banter
- public speaking
Key Concepts
social dynamics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you misread a joke?
- How can you gauge others’ feelings before teasing?
A Different Perspective
Humor can be misread; intent doesn’t guarantee reception.
