What is Alice in Wonderland about mental illness?

Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by distortions of visual perception, the body image, and the experience of time. People may see things smaller than they are, feel their body alter in size or experience any of the syndrome's numerous other symptoms.


What mental illness does Alice in Wonderland represent?

The classic children's story, “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll is perhaps an apt description of the reality and dynamics of the Borderline personality. The Borderline personality was well illustrated by Lewis Carroll who may have had Borderline personality traits himself in real life.

What is the main message of Alice in Wonderland?

Growing up. The most obvious theme that can be found in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is the theme of growing up. Lewis Carroll adored the unprejudiced and innocent way young children approach the world.


How does Alice in Wonderland relate to psychology?

In 1955, a psychiatrist called John Todd found that certain patients reported exactly the same feeling of “opening out like a telescope”. The disorder is known as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, and it seems to be most common in children.

Is Alice in Wonderland syndrome related to schizophrenia?

The AIWS should not be confused with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and other perceptual disorders, and it deserves to be included in the research agenda of international classifications such as the DSM and ICD.


This Syndrome Will Make You Question What Is Real (Alice In Wonderland Syndrome)



What does the Mad Hatter represent?

Answer and Explanation: In Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll sought to point out the many flaws of Victorian society. His characters all represent aspects of Victorian England. Through the Mad Hatter, Carroll is seen by some observers as critiquing England's mistreatment of its workers and its mentally ill.

What disorder does the Mad Hatter have?

Over time, the hatters inhaled mercury vapors. Many developed symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning, including psychosis, excitability, and tremors. These symptoms became so common in hatters that the phrase “mad as a hatter” was born. In the United States, mercury was used in hat making until 1941.

Is Alice in Wonderland about trauma?

Although Alice's Adventures in Wonderland mirrors the deconstructive process of trauma, the story contains no traumatic event. Yet the listener-teller interactions between Alice and other characters reveal that Alice experiences a breakdown of her sense of self and reality that mirrors the symptoms of trauma.


Is Alice in Wonderland about psychedelics?

Other than that, there's nothing connecting Alice and drugs. The Alice in Wonderland fansite says much the same in their FAQ: No evidence has ever been found that linked Carroll to recreational drug use. Even in his extensive diaries, Carroll has never made any reference to the use of drugs.

What does rabbit symbolize in Alice?

Following the white rabbit means following an unlikely clue and finding yourself in the middle of an extraordinary situation. This situation often challenges your beliefs and changes your life. The White Rabbit is so curious, so strange, that Alice cannot help but to follow him.

What does Alice falling down the rabbit hole symbolize?

In the story, Alice literally falls down the hole of the White Rabbit, taking her to Wonderland. In this case, falling down the rabbit hole meant entering a strange and absurd alternate universe, which many believe was supposed to represent a psychedelic experience.


What lessons does Alice in Wonderland teach?

6 Wise Lessons We Learned from 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'
  • Curious people have more adventures.
  • Be open to the impossible…
  • And embrace the magical.
  • It's important to know yourself… ...
  • And to know where you're going.
  • Finally, all the best people are bonkers.


Is Alice in Wonderland based on mental health?

Alice in Wonderland features some of the most interesting characters in the history of literature. While any literary character is open to interpretation, it has been widely theorized that the author of the classic work, Lewis Carroll, drew inspiration from the treatment of mental illness in the 19th century.

What does the Cheshire Cat represent?

The Cheshire Cat is sometimes interpreted as a guiding spirit for Alice, as it is he who directs her toward the March Hare's house and the mad tea party, which eventually leads her to her final destination, the garden.


Was Alice in Wonderland in a mental hospital?

At the asylum, Alice was mostly in a catatonic, bedridden state, and was unresponsive to most treatments and actions, from noises and lights, to electroshock therapy. She had evident dementia and it is implied she had schizophrenia.

What drugs influenced Alice in Wonderland?

he widespread use of opium during the Victorian period may have influenced or been reflected in Alice's Adventures In Wonderland.

Why is Alice in Wonderland so dark?

Alice in Wonderland definitely has a dark side. Carroll sees childhood as a dangerous place, shadowed by the threat of death. The Queen of Hearts ritually demands everyone's head, especially Alice's – “Off with her head!” The adults in Wonderland are powerful, but often absurd.


What mental disorders do Disney characters represent?

5 Disney Characters with Mental Disorders
  • Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
  • Disorder: Disposophobia/ Hoarding.
  • Peter Pan.
  • Disorder: Peter Pan Syndrome (Puer aeternus)
  • Belle from The Beauty and The Beast.
  • Disorder: Stockholm Syndrome.
  • The Queen from Snow White, and the Witch from Rapunzel.
  • Disorder: Narcissism.


Was The Hatter in love with Alice?

-When asked about rumors that there was a relationship plotline between Alice and the Mad Hatter, Burton replied with a very emphatic "No!"

Why did the Mad Hatter go crazy?

Hatters or hat-makers commonly exhibited slurred speech, tremors, irritability, shyness, depression, and other neurological symptoms; hence the expression “mad as a hatter.” The symptoms were associated with chronic occupational exposure to mercury.


What does the Queen of Hearts symbolize in Alice in Wonderland?

In a sense, the Queen of Hearts is literally the heart of Alice's conflict. Unlike many of the other characters in Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts is not as concerned with nonsense and perversions of logic as she is with absolute rule and execution.

What did the hatter whisper to Alice at the end?

At the end of his dance, the Hatter grabs Alice and kisses her passionately. Before she leaves, He abruptly kisses her one last time and whispers "Fairfarren, Alice.".

Why didn t Alice get through the door?

Since the door is much too small for Alice to squeeze through, she ventures back to the table with the hope that she might find something there that would help her.


Why did Alice run after the rabbit?

Alice follows the strange rabbit because she wants to know a number of things.