Monday, August 12, 2019
Biography of Lewis Carroll:
Lewis Carroll was the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, a prominent English writer, mathematician, and photographer best known for his works of children's literature, particularly "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." He was born on January 27, 1832, in Daresbury, Cheshire, England, and died on January 14, 1898, in Guildford, Surrey.
 |
| Biography of Lewis Carroll |
Key Points in Lewis Carroll's Biography:
1. Early Life and Education:
Charles Dodgson was the third of eleven children. He showed an early aptitude for mathematics and was educated at home before attending Rugby School and Christ Church, Oxford.
2. Academic Career:
Dodgson became a lecturer in mathematics at Christ Church, Oxford, and gained a reputation for his contributions to the field. He published several mathematical works, including "The Fifth Book of Euclid Treated Algebraically."
3. Literary Beginnings:
Dodgson's literary career began with the publication of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" in 1865. The story originated during a boat trip with the Liddell family, and Dodgson recounted it to Alice Liddell. Encouraged by friends, he decided to expand the tale into a book.
4. Pseudonym Lewis Carroll:
Dodgson adopted the pen name Lewis Carroll for his literary works. The reasons for choosing this pseudonym are not entirely clear.
5. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland:
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" was published in 1865 and became an instant success. The story follows Alice's adventures in a fantastical world filled with peculiar characters, wordplay, and nonsensical situations.
6. Through the Looking-Glass:
Dodgson followed the success of "Alice" with "Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There," published in 1871. This sequel further explores the whimsical world of Wonderland.
7. Photography:
In addition to his writing, Dodgson was an avid photographer. He photographed numerous children, including Alice Liddell, in various poses. His photography work is considered an important part of his legacy.
8. Other Literary Works:
Lewis Carroll wrote other works, including poems, essays, and mathematical treatises. His literary works often featured wordplay, logic puzzles, and a unique blend of fantasy and satire.
9. Relationship with Alice Liddell:
Dodgson's close friendship with Alice Liddell and her family has led to speculation and debate about the nature of their relationship. The exact details remain unclear, and Dodgson's diaries, in which he meticulously documented his life, have led to differing interpretations.
10. Later Years and Death:
Dodgson continued his academic and literary pursuits throughout his life. In his later years, he faced health issues, including deafness.
Lewis Carroll died on January 14, 1898, in Guildford, Surrey, due to pneumonia.
11. Legacy:
Lewis Carroll's literary works, particularly the "Alice" books, have become classics of children's literature. They have been adapted into numerous films, plays, and other media.
His contribution to the fantasy genre and his influence on later writers, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, is widely recognized.
Lewis Carroll's unique blend of whimsy, wordplay, and creativity has made his works enduring favorites for readers of all ages. The mysteries surrounding his personal life continue to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts alike.