While on the topic of Alice, on another note, Lewis Carroll was said to have observed the behavior of inmates at asylums. The Commissioner in Lunacy was an actual position. And one held by Carroll’s uncle – giving him access to the inner chambers of the asylums. A writer observing the methods of ‘madness’?
Carroll’s close relationship with his uncle, Commissioner in Lunacy Robert Wilfred Skeffington Lutwidge, was his primary connection to the profession. A well-connected barrister, Skeffington was responsible for inspecting lunatic asylums; many of his psychiatric colleagues became friends of Carroll’s too. …
The real-life inspiration for the Mad Hatter and his Tea Party Matt Pickles. 13 June 2016. Oxford News Blog
… The Mad Tea-Party in Alice’s Adventures was inspired directly by the tea parties held in asylums as ‘therapeutic entertainments.’… ‘…the types of insanity of the tea-party’s members draw on popular imagery of insanity is made explicit at the earliest instance when the Cheshire Cat informs Alice they are ‘both mad’…
Alice in Wonderland has provoked a wild ride of dark stories as well as a wide range of reactions, from avid fans to those who have banned the book. Many sources claim Carroll wrote it under the influence of opium. Others have found occult and dark themes permeating the book. And then again, some cite Carroll’s ‘friendships’ with young underage girls as being a factor that inspired the tale.
I don’t know what is true and what isn’t. It is hard to say – disturbing either way. But Salvador Dali created amazing illustrations for the tale. Quite abstract and very interesting pieces of art.
Alice in Wonderland never fails to create some sort of response in people. It’s quite far-reaching as stories go – inspiring and provoking positive and negative reactions on all levels and from many perspectives.
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