Abstract illustration of the silhouettte of Alice falling, a white rabbit, and a red mushroom

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll

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"Soup Of The Evening, Beautiful Soup!"

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"Beautiful Soup, so rich and green,
Waiting in a hot tureen!
Who for such dainties would not stoop?
Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!
Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!

In "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," the Mock Turtle's song "Beautiful Soup" is a parody of the popular Victorian song "Beautiful Star." This whimsical, yet somber, tune is emblematic of Carroll's playful manipulation of language and societal norms. The Mock Turtle, a creature forever lamenting, turns a simple dish into a subject of melodramatic reflection, illustrating the absurdity and surreal nature of Wonderland. The song humorously elevates the mundane act of eating soup to a grand, almost ceremonious activity, inviting readers to question the seriousness with which society often regards trivial matters. It also showcases Carroll's talent for creating layers of meaning, poking fun at pretentiousness while simultaneously creating a sense of nostalgic longing. The Mock Turtle’s emotional rendition underscores the theme of transformation and the incessant search for meaning in seemingly nonsensical worlds, a core element of Alice's adventures.

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