Better Quote by Lewis Carroll
““You alarm me!' said the King. 'I feel faint—Give me a ham sandwich!' On which the Messenger, to Alice's great amusement, opened a bag that hung round his neck, and handed a sandwich to the King, who devoured it greedily. 'Another sandwich!' said the King. 'There's nothing but hay left now,' the Messenger said, peeping into the bag. 'Hay, then,' the King murmured in a faint whisper. Alice was glad to see that it revived him a good deal. 'There's nothing like eating hay when you're faint,' he remarked to her, as he munched away. 'I should think throwing cold water over you would be better,' Alice suggested: 'or some sal-volatile .' 'I didn't say there was nothing better ,' the King replied. 'I said there was nothing like it.' Which Alice did not venture to deny.””
About This Quote
Source Literature: Through the Looking‑Glass, 1871
A whimsical exchange uses absurd dialogue to explore miscommunication and absurdity.
In simple terms: The King and Messenger exchange nonsensical statements about food.
Key Takeaway
Pay attention to the literal and the absurd in conversation.
Themes
absurdity
miscommunication
fantasy
Mood
playful
surreal
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching language
- creative storytelling
- improv comedy
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
nonsense logic
playful dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the absurd reveal about power dynamics?
- How does nonsense affect comprehension?
A Different Perspective
The nonsense may obscure deeper meaning for some readers.
