The Hunting of the Snark
A boat beneath a sunny sky, Lies anchored near the river's bend. Ten boats draw near, with crews inside, To join the hunt for the elusive Snark. The narrator describes the scene and introduces the main characters: the Bellman, who leads the expedition; the Butcher, the Baker, the Carpenter, and other eccentric individuals. They set sail on a fantastical journey to find the Snark, a creature that is described as being "frumious" (a word that means both "fuming" and "funny"). As they travel through a series of absurd landscapes, the crew encounters various obstacles and creatures, including the frumious Bandersnatch. The hunt for the Snark becomes increasingly absurd and illogical, with the crew members becoming more and more obsessed with finding their quarry. Throughout the poem, Carroll employs his signature wit and wordplay to create a sense of wonder and confusion. The Snark itself remains elusive, but its presence is felt throughout the journey. The poem's themes include the futility of human endeavor, the power of imagination, and the absurdity of life. It is a commentary on the Victorian era's obsession with exploration and discovery, as well as the dangers of becoming too focused on a single goal. Ultimately, the crew returns home, but not before they have encountered a series of surreal and fantastical creatures. The poem ends with the narrator reflecting on the absurdity of it all, and the reader is left to ponder the meaning behind the Snark's elusive nature.
By Lewis Carroll · First published 1876 · Genre: Fantasy, Nonsense Literature, Poetry · 7,765 words
What this Textopian page supports
The Hunting of the Snark is listed on Textopian as a novella by Lewis Carroll, dated 1876 CE.
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- Work type: Novella
- Author: Lewis Carroll
- Date: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Nonsense Literature, Poetry, Adventure, Satire
- Length: 7,765 words
- Structure: 8 chapters, 141 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features fantastical elements, including imaginary creatures and absurd situations.
- Nonsense Literature — The work employs nonsensical language and illogical scenarios, characteristic of the genre.
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter throughout.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a quest to hunt a mythical creature, involving exploration and challenges.
Tags
Nonsense Verse · Poetry · Satire · Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Humor · Wordplay · Logic · Riddles · Puzzles · Mathematics