Symbolism In Alice In Wonderland
Tim Burton’s recent success, Alice in Wonderland, has taken thousands by storm. Burton’s typical flair and unique directing style entwine to effectively produce a modern take on the original mystical fantasy novel. Burton depicts Alice’s emotional journey as she struggles to find herself within domineering expectations of the society in which she lives. Burton's 3-D fantasy successfully produced over $110 million, making this production his greatest feature film.
Disturbed by a strange reoccurring nightmare, 19-year-old Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska) struggles to fight against society’s male dominated expectations. Alice is expected to dress and act according to the beliefs of her society. Forced into an arraigned marriage, Alice is unsure …show more content…
Many character traits symbolically imitate those in her real life. Alice’s possible mother in law displays an immense similarity to the domineering Red Queen, in the sense that she prides herself on being in control and doesn’t value the live of others. Many of these traits are displayed through the proposal scene when the mother in law (Geraldine James) states “I hate rabbits,” she says; “I like setting the dogs on them”, which can be effectively reflected towards the red queen she bellows “OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!” similarities can also be drawn between the mad hatter and Alice’s recently deceased father, Charles Kingsleigh (Marton Csokas) as they both share the same, slightly mad but loveable personality. The mad hatter often repeats the phrase “I'm investigating things that begin with the letter M”, which can be linked to the mercury poising that can be affiliated with hat makers as they are often exposed the poising practicing their trade. Mercury poising can result in mood swings, nervousness, irritability, abnormal sensations which explains the insanity about the character; this symbolic method can be linked to the father as in the opening scene one of his colleagues states “ Charles you have finally lost your senses, this venture in impossible “ displaying that both characters were bold and outrageous. …show more content…
Plot twist, impressive scenery, symbolic messages and weird and wonderful characters lead to the creation of Alice’s wonderland. Many of these symbolic features are displayed in the ‘maturation of Alice’ scene as many connections can be made between her life in London and the events in
Disturbed by a strange reoccurring nightmare, 19-year-old Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska) struggles to fight against society’s male dominated expectations. Alice is expected to dress and act according to the beliefs of her society. Forced into an arraigned marriage, Alice is unsure …show more content…
Many character traits symbolically imitate those in her real life. Alice’s possible mother in law displays an immense similarity to the domineering Red Queen, in the sense that she prides herself on being in control and doesn’t value the live of others. Many of these traits are displayed through the proposal scene when the mother in law (Geraldine James) states “I hate rabbits,” she says; “I like setting the dogs on them”, which can be effectively reflected towards the red queen she bellows “OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!” similarities can also be drawn between the mad hatter and Alice’s recently deceased father, Charles Kingsleigh (Marton Csokas) as they both share the same, slightly mad but loveable personality. The mad hatter often repeats the phrase “I'm investigating things that begin with the letter M”, which can be linked to the mercury poising that can be affiliated with hat makers as they are often exposed the poising practicing their trade. Mercury poising can result in mood swings, nervousness, irritability, abnormal sensations which explains the insanity about the character; this symbolic method can be linked to the father as in the opening scene one of his colleagues states “ Charles you have finally lost your senses, this venture in impossible “ displaying that both characters were bold and outrageous. …show more content…
Plot twist, impressive scenery, symbolic messages and weird and wonderful characters lead to the creation of Alice’s wonderland. Many of these symbolic features are displayed in the ‘maturation of Alice’ scene as many connections can be made between her life in London and the events in