Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Chapter 9

Summary

Summary of "Stories Podcast: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Chapter 9"

Episode Title: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Chapter 9
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Podcast: Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Source: Transcribed from the episode

Introduction to Chapter 9: The Mock Turtle's Story

In this episode, Amanda Weldon narrates Chapter 9 of Lewis Carroll's classic novel, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." This chapter, titled "The Mock Turtle's Story," delves into Alice's interactions with the Duchess, the arrival of the Queen of Hearts, and her eventual meeting with the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle. The narrative is rich with whimsical dialogues, character interactions, and the unique absurdity that Carroll is renowned for.

Encounter with the Duchess

The chapter begins with Alice reflecting on her recent encounter with the Duchess. Alice is pleased to find the Duchess in a more pleasant mood compared to their previous meeting in the kitchen, where the Duchess had been "savage" due to the presence of pepper.

Alice (02:05): "To see you again, you dear old thing."

Alice muses about the effects of various seasonings on people's temperaments, suggesting that:

Alice (02:09): "Maybe it's always pepper that makes people hot tempered... vinegar that makes them sour, and chamomile that makes them bitter..."

The Duchess engages in a perplexing conversation about morals in everyday situations, continually offering cryptic lessons.

Duchess (02:39): "Everything's got a moral, if only you can find it."

Alice finds the Duchess's proximity uncomfortable, both because of her appearance and her sharp chin.

The Queen of Hearts' Entrance

The dialogue takes a dramatic turn when the Queen of Hearts appears abruptly, demanding that either Amanda Weldon or her head must be removed within a short timeframe.

Queen (07:59): "Either you or your head must be off, and that in about half no time. Take your choice."

The Duchess swiftly exits the scene following the Queen's ultimatum, leading Alice to accompany the Queen back to the croquet ground. The Queen's entrance heightens the tension among the characters, emphasizing her volatile nature.

Meeting the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle

As the story progresses, Alice is introduced to two new characters: the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle. The Gryphon, a mythical creature, guides Alice to the Mock Turtle, who is depicted as a sorrowful figure longing to share his history.

Gryphon (10:59): "What fun?"

Alice expresses concern over the predicament of being ordered around, to which the Gryphon responds:

Gryphon (12:28): "It's all his fancy that he hasn't got no sorrow, you know."

The Mock Turtle's Tale

The Mock Turtle begins to recount his own story, albeit in a fragmented and emotional manner. He speaks of his past as a real turtle and his education under a master named Tortoise.

Mock Turtle (13:30): "We went to school in the sea. The master was an old turtle. We used to call him Tortoise."

Alice inquires about the unconventional naming, leading to a humorous exchange.

Alice (13:38): "Why did you call him Tortoise if he wasn't one?"

Mock Turtle (13:42): "We called him Tortoise because he taught."

The conversation continues with the Mock Turtle detailing his educational experiences, including subjects like "Uglification" and "Mystery."

Mock Turtle (15:32): "Reeling and writhing, of course, to begin."

Alice's confusion and attempts to relate her own schooling experiences highlight the absurdity and playful logic that permeates the story.

Themes and Insights

Chapter 9 explores themes of education, authority, and the whimsical nature of Wonderland. The interactions between Alice and the Duchess, followed by the Queen's tyrannical behavior, underscore the unpredictable and often illogical rules governing Wonderland. The introduction of the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle adds layers of complexity, blending humor with a touch of melancholy.

The Mock Turtle's fragmented storytelling serves as a reflection on the unconventional and often nonsensical education system in Wonderland, poking fun at rote learning and the absurdity of certain academic subjects.

Notable Quotes

• Duchess (02:39): "Everything's got a moral, if only you can find it."
• Queen (07:59): "Either you or your head must be off, and that in about half no time. Take your choice."
• Gryphon (10:59): "What fun?"
• Mock Turtle (13:30): "We went to school in the sea. The master was an old turtle. We used to call him Tortoise."
• Mock Turtle (15:32): "Reeling and writhing, of course, to begin."

Conclusion

Chapter 9 of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" continues to build on the fantastical and surreal world that Lewis Carroll created. Through Alice's interactions with the Duchess, the Queen of Hearts, the Gryphon, and the Mock Turtle, listeners are treated to a blend of humor, satire, and whimsical storytelling. Amanda Weldon's narration captures the essence of Carroll's writing, making the classic tale accessible and engaging for listeners of all ages.

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Stories Podcast offers a delightful rendition of one of the most memorable chapters from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." By focusing solely on the narrative and character interactions, the summary provides a comprehensive overview of the chapter's key points, ensuring that both young listeners and their parents can appreciate the whimsical adventures of Alice in Wonderland.

Transcript

[Alice]

Hello.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a chapter from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a classic novel written for you by Lewis Carroll. We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast. If you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors. This episode of Stories Podcast is sponsored by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all in one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it possible to create a beautiful website and engage with your audience. And Squarespace makes it so easy to sell anything from products to content to time, all in one place.

[Alice]

All on your terms.

[Amanda Weldon]

With Squarespace payments, onboarding is fast and simple. Get started in just a few clicks and start receiving payments right away. It's even easy to invoice clients and create proposals, estimates and contracts, simplify your workflow and manage your business on one platform. Also, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto generated sitemap, and more, so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're ready to launch squarespace.com dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Thanks. Enjoy the episode.

[Alice]

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Chapter 9 the Mock Turtles Story.

[Amanda Weldon]

You can't think how glad I am.

[Alice]

To see you again, you dear old thing, said the Duchess as she tucked her arm affectionately into Alice's and they walked off together. Alice was very glad to find her in such a pleasant temper, and thought to herself that perhaps it was only the pepper that had made her so savage when they met in the kitchen. When I'm a duchess, she said to herself, not in a very hopeful tone, though I won't have any pepper in my kitchen at all. Soup does very well without. Maybe it's always pepper that makes people hot tempered, she went on, very much pleased at having found out a new kind of rule. And vinegar that makes them sour, and chamomile that makes them bitter, and and barley sugar and other things that make children sweet tempered I only wish people knew that. Then they wouldn't be so stingy about it, you know. She had quite forgotten the Duchess by this time, and was a little startled when she heard her voice close to her ear. You're thinking about something, my dear, and that makes you forget to talk. I can't tell you just now what the moral of that is, but I shall remember it in a bit. Perhaps it hasn't won, Alice ventured to remark. Tut, tut, child, said the Duchess. Everything's got a moral, if only you can find it. And she squeezed herself up closer to Alice's side as she spoke. Alice did not much like keeping so close to her, first, because the Duchess was very ugly, and secondly, because she was exactly the right height to rest her chin on Alice's shoulder, and it was an uncomfortably sharp chin. However, she did not like to be rude, so she bore it as well as she could. The game's going on rather better now, she said by way of keeping up the conversation a little. Tis so, said the Duchess. And the moral of that is? Oh, tis love. Tis love that makes the world go round. Somebody said Alice whispered that it's done by everybody minding their own business. Ah, well, it means much the same thing, said the Duchess, digging her sharp little chin into Alice's shoulder as she added, and the moral of that is? Take care of the scents, and the sounds will take care of themselves. How fond she is of finding morals in things, Alice thought to herself. I dare say you're wondering why I don't put my arm round your waist, the Duchess said after a pause. The reason is that I'm doubtful about the temper of your flamingo. Shall I try the experiment? He might bite, Alice cautiously replied, not feeling at all anxious to have the experiment tried. Very true, said the Duchess. Flamingoes and mustard both bite. And the moral of that is, birds of a feather flock together. Only mustard isn't a bird, Alice remarked. Right as usual, said the Duchess. What a clear way you have of putting things. It's a mineral, I think, said Alice. Of course it is, said the Duchess, who seemed ready to agree with everything that Alice said. There's a large mustard mine near here. And the moral of that is, the more there is of mine, the less there is of yours. Oh, I know, Exclaimed Alice, who had not attended to this last remark. It's a vegetable. It doesn't look like one, but it is. I quite agree with you, said the Duchess. And the moral of that is? Be what you would seem to be. Or if you'd like it put more simply, never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others that what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise. I think I should understand that better, alice said very politely, if I had it written down. But I can't quite follow it as you say it. There's nothing to what I could say if I chose, the Duchess replied in a pleased tone. Pray don't trouble yourself to say it any longer than that, said Alice. Oh, don't talk about trouble, said the Duchess. I make you a present of everything I've said as yet. A cheap sort of present, thought Alice. I'm glad people don't give birthday presents like that. But she did not venture to say it out loud. Thinking again? The Duchess asked with another dig of her sharp little chin. I've a right to think, said Alice sharply, for she was beginning to feel a little worried. Just about as much right, said the Duchess, as pigs have to fly. And the moral. But here, to Alice's great surprise, the Duchess's voice died away, even in the middle of her favorite word, moral, and the arm that was linked into hers began to tremble. Alice looked up and there stood the Queen in front of them with her arms folded, frowning like a thunderstorm. A fine day, your Majesty, the Duchess began in a low, weak voice. Now I give you fair warning, shouted the Queen, stamping on the ground as she spoke. Either you or your head must be off, and that in about half no time. Take your choice. The Duchess took her choice and was gone in a moment. Let's go on with the game, the Queen said to Alice, and Alice was too much frightened to say a word, but slowly followed her back to the croquet ground. The other guests had taken advantage of the Queen's absence and were resting in the shade. However, the moment they saw her they hurried back to the game, the Queen merely remarking that a moment's delay would cost them their lives. All the time they were playing, the Queen never left off, quarreling with the other players and shouting off with his head. Or off with her head. Those whom she sentenced were taken into custody by the soldiers, who of course had to leave off being arches to do this, so that by the end of half an hour or so they.

[Amanda Weldon]

There were no arches left, and all.

[Alice]

The players except the King, the Queen, and Alice were in custody and under sentence of execution. Then the Queen left off quite out of breath, and said to Alice, have you seen the Mock Turtle yet? No, said Alice. I don't even know what a mock turtle is. It's the thing that mock turtle soup is made from, said the Queen. I never saw one or heard of one, said Alice. Come on then, said the Queen, and he shall tell you his history. As they walked off together, Alice heard the King say in a low voice to the company, generally, you were all pardoned. Come. That's a good thing, she said to herself, for she had felt quite unhappy at the number of executions the Queen had ordered.

[Amanda Weldon]

Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other favorite kid podcasts ad free subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts. This episode of Stories podcast is sponsored by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all in one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it possible to create a beautiful website and engage with your audience. And Squarespace makes it so easy to sell anything from products to content to time, all in one place, all on your terms. With Squarespace payments onboarding is fast and simple. Get started in just a few clicks and start receiving payments right away. It's even easy to invoice clients and create proposals, estimates and contracts, simplify your workflow and manage your business on one platform. Also, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto generated sitemap, and more, so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're ready to launch squarespace.com dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain, that's squarespace.com dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Alice]

Thanks.

[Amanda Weldon]

And now back to the story.

[Alice]

They very soon came upon a griffin lying fast asleep in the sun. If you don't know what a griffin is, look up a picture up lazy thing, said the queen. And take this young lady to see the mock turtle and to hear his history. I must go back and see after.

[Mock Turtle]

Some executions I have ordered.

[Alice]

And she walked off, leaving Alice alone with the griffin.

[Amanda Weldon]

Alice did not quite like the look.

[Alice]

Of the creature, but on the whole she thought it would be quite as safe to stay with it as to go after that savage queen. So she waited. The griffin sat up and rubbed its eyes. Then it watched the queen till she was out of sight. Then it chuckled. What Fun? Said the Gryphon, half to itself, half to Alice. What is the fun? Said Alice. Why, she, said the Gryphon, it's all her fancy that they never executes nobody, you know. Come on. Everybody says come on here, thought Alice as she went slowly after it, I never was so ordered about before in all my life. Never. They had not gone far before they saw the Mock Turtle in the distance, sitting sad and lonely on a little ledge of rock. And as they came nearer, Alice could hear him sighing as if his heart would break. She pitied him deeply. What is his sorrow? She asked the Gryphon. And the Gryphon answered very nearly in the same words as before, it's all his fancy that he hasn't got no sorrow, you know. Kind. Come on. So they went up to the Mock Turtle, who looked at them with large eyes full of tears, but said nothing. This here young lady, said the Gryphon, she wants fur to know your history. She do.

[Mock Turtle]

I'll tell it her, said the Mock.

[Alice]

Turtle in a deep, hollow tone, sit.

[Mock Turtle]

Down, both of you, and don't speak a word till I've finished.

[Alice]

So they sat down, and nobody spoke for some minutes. Alice thought to herself, I don't see how he can ever finish if he doesn't begin. But she waited patiently. Once, said the Mock Turtle at last, with a deep sigh, I was a real turtle. These words were followed by a very long silence, broken only by an occasional exclamation of from the griffin and the constant heavy sobbing of the Mock Turtle. Alice was very nearly getting up and saying, thank you, sir, for your interesting story, but she could not help thinking there must be more to come. So she sat still and said nothing. When we were little, the Mock Turtle went on at last, more calmly, though still sobbing a little now and then.

[Mock Turtle]

We went to school in the sea. The master was an old turtle. We used to call him Tortoise.

[Alice]

Why did you call him Tortoise if he wasn't one? Alice asked.

[Mock Turtle]

We called him Tortoise because he taught.

[Alice]

Us, said the Mock Turtle angrily.

[Mock Turtle]

Really, you are very dull.

[Alice]

You ought to be ashamed of yourself for asking such a simple question, added the Gryphon. And then they both sat silent and looked at poor Alice, who felt ready to sink into the earth. At last the Gryphon said to the Mock Turtle, drive on, old fellow, don't be all day about it. And he went on in these.

[Mock Turtle]

Yes, we went to school in the sea, though you mayn't believe it.

[Alice]

I never said I didn't, interrupted Alice. You did, said the Mock Turtle. Hold your tongue, added the Gryphon. Before Alice could speak again, the Mock Turtle went on.

[Mock Turtle]

We had the best of educations. In fact, we went to school every day.

[Alice]

I've been to a day school, too, said Alice. You needn't be so proud of all that.

[Mock Turtle]

With extras?

[Alice]

Asked the Mock Turtle a little anxiously. Yes, said Alice. We learned French and music. And Washington, Said the Mock Turtle. Certainly not, said Alice indignantly.

[Mock Turtle]

Ah, then yours wasn't a really good.

[Alice]

School, said the Mock Turtle in a tone of great relief.

[Mock Turtle]

Now at ours they had at the end of the bill French music and washing extra.

[Alice]

You couldn't have wanted it much, said Alice. Living at the bottom of the sea.

[Mock Turtle]

I couldn't afford to learn it, said.

[Alice]

The Mock Turtle with a sigh.

[Mock Turtle]

I only took the regular course.

[Alice]

What was that? Inquired Alice.

[Mock Turtle]

Reeling and writhing, of course, to begin.

[Alice]

With, the Mock Turtle replied.

[Mock Turtle]

And then the different branches of arithmetic, Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and derision.

[Alice]

I never heard of uglification, Alice ventured to say. What is it? The Gryphon lifted up both its paws in surprise. Never heard of uglifying. It exclaimed. You know what to beautify is, I suppose. Yes, said Alice doubtfully. It means to make anything prettier. Well then, the Gryphon went on, if you don't know what to uglify is, you are a simpleton. Alice did not feel encouraged to ask any more questions about it. So she turned to the Mock Turtle and said, what else had you to learn? Well, there was mystery, the Mock Turtle replied, counting off the subjects on his flappers.

[Mock Turtle]

Mystery ancient and modern with seography. Then drawling. The Drawling Master was an old conger eel that used to come once a week. He taught us drawling, stretching and fainting in coils.

[Alice]

What was that like? Said Alice.

[Mock Turtle]

Well, I can't show it you myself.

[Alice]

The Mock Turtle said.

[Mock Turtle]

Im too stiff. And the Gryphon never learnt.

[Alice]

It hadn't time, said the Gryphon. I went to the Classical Master, though he was an old crab, he was.

[Mock Turtle]

I never went to him, the Mock.

[Alice]

Turtle said with a sigh.

[Mock Turtle]

He taught laughing and grief, they used to say.

[Alice]

So we did, so we did, said the Gryphon, sighing in his turn, and both creatures hid their faces in their paws. And how many hours a day did you do lessons? Said Alice, in a hurry to change the subject.

[Mock Turtle]

Ten hours the first day, said the Mock Turtle, nine the next, and so on.

[Alice]

What a curious plan. Exclaimed Alice. Well, that's the reason they're called lessons. The Gryphon remarked, because they lessen from day to day. This was quite a new idea to Alice, and she thought it over a little before she made her next remark. Then the 11th day must have been a holiday. Of course it was, said the Mock Turtle. And how did you manage on the 12th? Alice went on eagerly. That's enough about the lessons, the Gryphon interrupted in a very decided tone. Tell her something about the games now. Today's story was Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

[Amanda Weldon]

A classic novel written for you by Lewis Carroll.

[Alice]

It was edited and produced for you by Andrew Martin and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon.

[Amanda Weldon]

If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on itunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo, follow us on Instagram oriespodcast or simply tell your friends about us. In case you missed it, Dan and I have a new show on Stories rpg. We play games just like Starsworn with all your Max Goodname friends and Gigacity Guardians featuring the brilliant Firefly. Click the link in the episode description or go to patreon.com storiesrpg to get ad free episodes, play along games and coloring books. We've already got a bunch of episodes over there so check them out now. Thanks for listening.