73 words to know before reading Through the Looking-Glass

1. The number following ten (11).
2. A sports team with eleven players (e.g., soccer).

The Chess Game White Pawn (Alice) to play, and win in eleven moves. Alice meets R. Q. Alice Through Q.’s 3rd (by railway) to Q.’s 4th (Tweedledum And

1. A character from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," one half of a pair of twins (Tweedledee and Tweedledum).
2. A term used to describe one of two nearly identical or indistinguishable things or people.

yourself in the Fourth Square in no time. Well, that square belongs to Tweedledum and Tweedledee—the Fifth is mostly water—the Sixth belongs to Humpty Dumpty—But you make no remark?” “I—I

1. A piece of fabric worn over the shoulders or head for warmth or fashion.
2. A large rectangular or square cloth draped around the body.

wish it wouldn’t flap its wings so—it makes quite a hurricane in the wood—here’s somebody’s shawl being blown away!”

1. A character from the nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty," often depicted as an egg.
2. A term used to describe something that is broken or cannot be fixed.

Alice meets W. Q. (with shawl) Alice to Q.’s 5th (shop, river, shop) Alice to Q.’s 6th (Humpty Dumpty) Alice to Q.’s 7th (forest) W. Kt. takes R. Kt. Alice to Q.’s 8th (Coronation) Alice

1. The ceremony of crowning a monarch.
2. The act of officially investing a sovereign with regal power.

6th (Humpty Dumpty) Alice to Q.’s 7th (forest) W. Kt. takes R. Kt. Alice to Q.’s 8th (Coronation) Alice becomes Queen Alice Castles (feast) Alice takes R. Q. and wins R. Q. to K. R.’s 4th W. Q.

1. A large, elaborate meal, often for a celebration.
2. A religious festival or observance.

they did push so!” she said afterwards, when she was telling her sister the history of the feast. “You would have thought they wanted to squeeze me flat!”) In fact it was rather difficult for

1. The forehead or the ridge of hair above the eye.
2. The edge of a steep place, like a cliff.

Child of the pure unclouded brow And dreaming eyes of wonder! Though time be fleet, and I and thou Are half a life asunder, Thy

1. Into separate parts or pieces (e.g., "torn asunder").
2. Apart in position or direction (e.g., "pulled asunder").

brow And dreaming eyes of wonder! Though time be fleet, and I and thou Are half a life asunder, Thy loving smile will surely hail The love-gift of a fairy-tale. I have not seen thy sunny face,

1. Belonging to you (archaic or poetic form of "your").
2. Short for "thyroid" in medical contexts (informal).

a life asunder, Thy loving smile will surely hail The love-gift of a fairy-tale. I have not seen thy sunny face, Nor heard thy silver laughter; No thought of me shall find a place In thy young

1. To become limp or droop, typically due to lack of water.
2. To lose strength, energy, or vigor.

No thought of me shall find a place In thy young life’s hereafter— Enough that now thou wilt not fail To listen to my fairy-tale. A tale begun in other days, When summer suns were glowing—

1. A musical instrument producing bell-like sounds when struck.
2. The sound made by a bell or similar instrument.

listen to my fairy-tale. A tale begun in other days, When summer suns were glowing— A simple chime, that served to time The rhythm of our rowing— Whose echoes live in memory yet, Though envious

1. Before (archaic or poetic)
2. In the presence of (archaic)

Whose echoes live in memory yet, Though envious years would say “forget.” Come, hearken then, ere voice of dread, With bitter tidings laden, Shall summon to unwelcome bed A melancholy maiden! We

1. News or information about recent events.
2. Reports or updates, often of a significant nature.

Though envious years would say “forget.” Come, hearken then, ere voice of dread, With bitter tidings laden, Shall summon to unwelcome bed A melancholy maiden! We are but older children, dear, Who

1. Heavily loaded or weighed down (adjective).
2. To load or burden something (verb).

envious years would say “forget.” Come, hearken then, ere voice of dread, With bitter tidings laden, Shall summon to unwelcome bed A melancholy maiden! We are but older children, dear, Who fret to

1. A feeling of deep sadness or sorrow, often without a clear cause.
2. A pensive or reflective sadness, sometimes with a poetic quality.

make jokes,” Alice said, “if it makes you so unhappy.” Then came another of those melancholy little sighs, and this time the poor Gnat really seemed to have sighed itself away, for, when

1. A young unmarried woman.
2. The first occurrence or attempt of something.

ere voice of dread, With bitter tidings laden, Shall summon to unwelcome bed A melancholy maiden! We are but older children, dear, Who fret to find our bedtime near. Without, the frost, the

1. To worry or be anxious about something.
2. A small ridge on the fingerboard of a stringed instrument.

laden, Shall summon to unwelcome bed A melancholy maiden! We are but older children, dear, Who fret to find our bedtime near. Without, the frost, the blinding snow, The storm-wind’s moody madness—

1. A young domestic cat.
2. A term of endearment for a cute or playful person.

I Looking-Glass House One thing was certain, that the white kitten had had nothing to do with it:—it was the black kitten’s fault entirely. For the white kitten

1. The foot of an animal with claws or nails, such as a cat or dog.
2. To touch or scrape something with a paw.

on her knee, pretending to watch the progress of the winding, and now and then putting out one paw and gently touching the ball, as if it would be glad to help, if it might. “Do you know what

1. A type of smooth, tightly twisted yarn or fabric made from long wool fibers.
2. A past tense of 'worst', meaning to defeat or overcome someone.

she could manage—and then she scrambled back into the armchair, taking the kitten and the worsted with her, and began winding up the ball again. But she didn’t get on very fast, as she was

1. Neat and well-organized in appearance.
2. To clean or arrange something neatly.

had got the face of a little old man, and grinned at her. “They don’t keep this room so tidy as the other,” Alice thought to herself, as she noticed several of the chessmen down in the

1. A large outdoor fire, often for celebration or burning waste.
2. A controlled fire used for warmth, light, or social gatherings.

was making you tidy, so you couldn’t. I was watching the boys getting in sticks for the bonfire—and it wants plenty of sticks, Kitty! Only it got so cold, and it snowed so, they had to leave

1. Feeling a need to drink something.
2. Eager or strongly desiring something.

away by the tail just as I had put down the saucer of milk before her! What, you were thirsty, were you? How do you know she wasn’t thirsty too? Now for number three: you unwound every bit of

1. A fictional monster from Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky."
2. Nonsensical or incomprehensible language.

in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe. “Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

mind what they all say, my dear, but take a return-ticket every time the train stops.” “Indeed I shan’t!” Alice said rather impatiently. “I don’t belong to this railway journey at all—I was

1. Small flowering plants with white petals and yellow centers, commonly found in meadows.
2. Symbolic of innocence, purity, or simplicity in literature and art.

hold your tongues, I’ll pick you!” There was silence in a moment, and several of the pink daisies turned white. “That’s right!” said the Tiger-lily. “The daisies are worst of all. When one

1. The colorful, often fragrant parts of a flower that attract pollinators.
2. Modified leaves surrounding the reproductive organs of a flower.

“Well, she has the same awkward shape as you,” the Rose said, “but she’s redder—and her petals are shorter, I think.” “Her petals are done up close, almost like a dahlia,” the Tiger-lily

1. A small flowering plant with white petals and a yellow center.
2. A term of endearment for someone sweet or innocent.

a Daisy: “that’s why its branches are called boughs!” “Didn’t you know that?” cried another Daisy, and here they all began shouting together, till the air seemed quite full of little shrill

1. A spoken or written comment or observation.
2. To notice or observe something.

round eagerly, and found that it was the Red Queen. “She’s grown a good deal!” was her first remark. She had indeed: when Alice first found her in the ashes, she had been only three inches

1. A dull, heavy sound made by a blow or fall.
2. To hit or strike something with a heavy, dull sound.

it was the regular rule.” “She’s coming!” cried the Larkspur. “I hear her footstep, thump, thump, thump, along the gravel-walk!” Alice looked round eagerly, and found that it was the Red Queen.

1. A small pin or bolt used to fasten or secure things.
2. A hook or knob for hanging items.

as she returned to the tree, and then began slowly walking down the row. At the two-yard peg she faced round, and said, “A pawn goes two squares in its first move, you know. So you’ll go

1. Small, six-legged arthropods with segmented bodies.
2. Often have wings and undergo metamorphosis.

III Looking-Glass Insects Of course the first thing to do was to make a grand survey of the country she was going to travel

1. A group of singers performing together, often in musicals or operas.
2. The refrain or repeated section of a song.

said in a frightened tone: “there wasn’t a ticket-office where I came from.” And again the chorus of voices went on. “There wasn’t room for one where she came from. The land there is worth a

1. A small arthropod with six legs and typically one or two pairs of wings.
2. Any similar invertebrate, often considered a pest.

voice went on; “a dear friend, and an old friend. And you won’t hurt me, though I am an insect.” “What kind of insect?” Alice inquired a little anxiously. What she really wanted to know was,

1. A small flying insect, often a nuisance.
2. Any of various tiny two-winged flies.

But I can tell you the names of some of them.” “Of course they answer to their names?” the Gnat remarked carelessly. “I never knew them to do it.” “What’s the use of their having names,” the

1. Said something in response or comment.
2. Noticed or observed something noteworthy.

right colour, and that goes a long way.” “I don’t care about the colour,” the Tiger-lily remarked. “If only her petals curled up a little more, she’d be all right.” Alice didn’t like being

1. A young deer, especially one less than a year old.
2. A light yellowish-brown color.

she could say, after a great deal of puzzling, was, “L, I know it begins with L!” Just then a Fawn came wandering by: it looked at Alice with its large gentle eyes, but didn’t seem at all

1. A rapid series of short, sharp sounds.
2. A baby's toy that makes noise when shaken.

her hand upon his arm, and said in a soothing tone, “You needn’t be so angry about an old rattle.” “But it isn’t old!” Tweedledum cried, in a greater fury than ever. “It’s new, I tell you—I

1. A large marine mammal with tusks and whiskers, found in Arctic regions.
2. Slang for a person with a prominent mustache.

it,’ said the Carpenter, And shed a bitter tear. ‘O Oysters, come and walk with us!’ The Walrus did beseech. ‘A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk, Along the briny beach: We cannot do with more

1. A skilled worker who builds or repairs wooden structures.
2. A person who works with wood, crafting furniture or frameworks.

All hopping through the frothy waves, And scrambling to the shore. The Walrus and the Carpenter Walked on a mile or so, And then they rested on a rock Conveniently low: And all the little

1. Marine bivalve mollusks with rough, irregular shells.
2. Commonly harvested for food, pearls, or ecological benefits.

his heavy head— Meaning to say he did not choose To leave the oyster-bed. But four young oysters hurried up, All eager for the treat: Their coats were brushed, their faces washed, Their shoes

1. A portable device used for rain protection, consisting of a collapsible canopy on a central rod.
2. Something that covers or includes a broad range of elements or functions.

it’s coming on very dark. Do you think it’s going to rain?” Tweedledum spread a large umbrella over himself and his brother, and looked up into it. “No, I don’t think it is,” he said: “at

1. A decorative jewelry item designed to be attached to garments with a pin or clasp.
2. An ornamental piece often worn at the neckline or lapel.

it again. “Take care!” cried Alice. “You’re holding it all crooked!” And she caught at the brooch; but it was too late: the pin had slipped, and the Queen had pricked her finger. “That accounts

1. Creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
2. A craft or hobby involving making garments or items from yarn.

more like a porcupine every minute!” “Can you row?” the Sheep asked, handing her a pair of knitting-needles as she spoke. “Yes, a little—but not on land—and not with needles—” Alice was

1. Long poles with flat blades used for rowing boats.
2. The act of propelling a boat using oars.

away. There was something very queer about the water, she thought, as every now and then the oars got fast in it, and would hardly come out again. “Feather! Feather!” the Sheep cried again,

1. A lightweight, flat structure forming the plumage of birds.
2. To rotate the blades of a propeller to reduce drag in flight.

said the Sheep, sticking some of the needles into her hair, as her hands were full. “Feather, I say!” “Why do you say ‘feather’ so often?” Alice asked at last, rather vexed. “I’m not a

1. A wide, decorative scarf worn around the neck, typically by men.
2. A neckband or neckcloth, often made of silk or linen.

it was her turn now.) “At least,” she corrected herself on second thoughts, “a beautiful cravat, I should have said—no, a belt, I mean—I beg your pardon!” she added in dismay, for Humpty

1. A circular or spiral motion, especially in water or air.
2. A large system of rotating ocean currents.

very hopeful, so Alice repeated the first verse: “ ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.” “That’s

1. (archaic) A foolish or stupid person.
2. (rare) A term of contempt or derision.

bird with its feathers sticking out all round—something like a live mop.” “And then ‘mome raths’?” said Alice. “I’m afraid I’m giving you a great deal of trouble.” “Well, a ‘rath’ is a

1. A mythical horse-like creature with a single horn on its forehead.
2. A startup company valued at over $1 billion.

VII The Lion and the Unicorn The next moment soldiers came running through the wood, at first in twos and threes, then ten or

1. Relating to England or the English people.
2. Prefix denoting English-speaking or of English origin (e.g., Anglo-American).

in the hope of turning off the Messenger’s attention from himself—but it was no use—the Anglo-Saxon attitudes only got more extraordinary every moment, while the great eyes rolled wildly from

1. Dried grass used as animal fodder.
2. A small amount, especially of money (informal).

I hate him with an H, because he is Hideous. I fed him with—with—with Ham-sandwiches and Hay. His name is Haigha, and he lives—” “He lives on the Hill,” the King remarked simply, without

1. To go and bring back something.
2. To retrieve data or information.

I tell you?” the King repeated impatiently. “I must have two—to fetch and carry. One to fetch, and one to carry.” At this moment the Messenger arrived: he was far too much out of breath to

1. A sweet, juicy fruit with smooth skin and a central pit.
2. A deep purple color resembling the fruit.

a fabulous monster!” the Unicorn cried out, before Alice could reply. “Then hand round the plum-cake, Monster,” the Lion said, lying down and putting his chin on his paws. “And sit down, both

1. A nautical greeting used to hail a ship or attract attention.
2. An exclamation to express surprise or excitement.

in the saddle, he began once more “You’re my—” but here another voice broke in “Ahoy! Ahoy! Check!” and Alice looked round in some surprise for the new enemy. This time it was a White

1. A seat for a rider on a horse or bicycle.
2. A cut of meat including part of the backbone.

I should get the honey.” “But you’ve got a beehive—or something like one—fastened to the saddle,” said Alice. “Yes, it’s a very good beehive,” the Knight said in a discontented tone, “one of

1. To fall suddenly and uncontrollably.
2. To perform acrobatic rolls or somersaults.

the Knight tumbling off, first on one side and then on the other. After the fourth or fifth tumble he reached the turn, and then she waved her handkerchief to him, and waited till he was out of

1. A small stream or creek.
2. To tolerate or endure something (usually negative).

between was divided up into squares by a number of little green hedges, that reached from brook to brook. “I declare it’s marked out just like a large chessboard!” Alice said at last. “There

1. A sweet, soft dessert made with milk, sugar, and flavorings, often thickened with eggs or starch.
2. A savory dish, such as black pudding, made with blood, grains, and spices.

the next course.” “Then it would have to be the next day. I suppose you wouldn’t have two pudding-courses in one dinner?” “Well, not the next day,” the Knight repeated as before: “not the next

1. The process of taking one number away from another to find the difference.
2. A mathematical operation represented by the minus sign (-).

“Nine from eight I can’t, you know,” Alice replied very readily: “but—” “She can’t do Subtraction,” said the White Queen. “Can you do Division? Divide a loaf by a knife—what’s the answer to

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

Alice didn’t like being criticised, so she began asking questions. “Aren’t you sometimes frightened at being planted out here, with nobody to take care of you?” “There’s the tree in the middle,”

1. A small, tailless amphibian with moist skin and long hind legs for leaping.
2. A device used to hold objects, such as flower stems or horse hooves, in place.

the servant whose business it is to answer the door?” she began angrily. “Which door?” said the Frog. Alice almost stamped with irritation at the slow drawl in which he spoke. “This door, of

1. The meat of a mature sheep, used as food.
2. (Informal) A term for a dull or stupid person.

had to carve a joint before. “You look a little shy; let me introduce you to that leg of mutton,” said the Red Queen. “Alice—Mutton; Mutton—Alice.” The leg of mutton got up in the dish and

1. The low, continuous, vibrating sound made by a cat, typically expressing contentment.
2. To make such a sound.

XII Which Dreamed It? “Your majesty shouldn’t purr so loud,” Alice said, rubbing her eyes, and addressing the kitten, respectfully, yet with some

1. Young domestic cats, typically under one year old.
2. Term of endearment for something small, cute, or playful.

settled comfortably down, with one elbow in the rug, and her chin in her hand, to watch the kittens. “Tell me, Dinah, did you turn to Humpty Dumpty? I think you did—however, you’d better not

1. The sound a cat makes (onomatopoeia).
2. A cage or enclosure for hawks.

remark) that, whatever you say to them, they always purr. “If they would only purr for ‘yes’ and mew for ‘no,’ or any rule of that sort,” she had said, “so that one could keep up a conversation! But

1. Made a low, continuous vibrating sound like a contented cat.
2. Expressed satisfaction or pleasure in a soft, murmuring way.

you talk with a person if they always say the same thing?” On this occasion the kitten only purred: and it was impossible to guess whether it meant “yes” or “no.” So Alice hunted among the

1. A rug placed in front of a fireplace to protect the floor from heat and sparks.
2. A decorative rug used to enhance the area around a hearth.

on the table till she had found the Red Queen: then she went down on her knees on the hearthrug, and put the kitten and the Queen to look at each other. “Now, Kitty!” she cried, clapping her

1. Striking the palms of the hands together to make a sound.
2. A gesture of approval, appreciation, or rhythm.

about?” Alice said “Nobody can guess that.” “Why, about you!” Tweedledee exclaimed, clapping his hands triumphantly. “And if he left off dreaming about you, where do you suppose you’d be?”

1. Lasting for a long time; slow to fade or disappear.
2. Remaining present, often unwillingly or nostalgically.

A boat beneath a sunny sky, Lingering onward dreamily In an evening of July— Children three that nestle near, Eager eye and willing

1. The season between summer and winter, characterized by falling leaves and cooler temperatures.
2. A period of maturity or decline, often metaphorically.

to clap her hands. “And I do so wish it was true! I’m sure the woods look sleepy in the autumn, when the leaves are getting brown. “Kitty, can you play chess? Now, don’t smile, my dear, I’m

1. Places frequently visited by someone.
2. Ghosts or spirits that appear in a place.

paled that sunny sky: Echoes fade and memories die. Autumn frosts have slain July. Still she haunts me, phantomwise, Alice moving under skies Never seen by waking eyes. Children yet, the tale to

1. A faint or brief light or glow.
2. A flash of light, often reflected.

go by, Dreaming as the summers die. Ever drifting down the stream— Lingering in the golden gleam— Life, what is it but a dream?