Alice in Wonderland: When She Was Born and Her Victorian Era Adventure

Isaac Newton was born in 1643, Marie Curie in 1867, but have you ever wondered when Alice in Wonderland was born? While there is no clear answer in the books, we can make educated guesses based on historical records and the context of the story.

The Real Alice Liddell

Alice Liddell, the inspiration for the character of Alice in Wonderland, was born in 1852, making her 168 years old if she had lived to see the 21st century. However, the fictional Alice, who appears in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, is 7 years old when she embarks on her famous adventure.

The Birth and Inspiration of the Story

The story itself originated from an encounter with Alice Liddell on July 4, 1862, during a rowing trip on the Isis River. In an afternoon listening to stories, Dodgson, whose real name was Charles Lutwitle Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, composed the initial draft of what would become a beloved classic.

The manuscript, titled Alice's Adventures Under Ground, was a gift to Alice Liddell after she was enchanted by the story and asked Dodgson to write it down. This manuscript, with its hand-drawn illustrations, laid the foundation for the eventual publication of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in 1865.

The Victorian Era Context

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was published in the middle of the Victorian era, a time of immense social change and progress in Britain. Alice, as a fictional character, embodies the intelligence and imagination characteristic of children during that period. She is a curious and adventurous child, taking a nap in the backyard of her family's estate before embarking on her unique journey.

The story begins with Alice's curiosity about the White Rabbit, who is dashing about late for an important date. This leads her down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world filled with eccentric characters. Alice's 7-year-old age during the story is set in the year 1865, reflecting the context of the Victorian era in which the books were published.

Given the dates mentioned, it is likely that the events in the story took place somewhere in the early to mid-1860s, with Alice being born in the 1850s, around 1855. This period aligns with the historical context and provides a solid timeline for the story’s events.

Interestingly, the character Alice in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is often assumed to be 7 years old, as revealed in the story's narrative. This age is well-suited to the playful and imaginative nature of Victorian children and captures the essence of the narrative perfectly.

About the Author: Lewis Carroll

Charles Lutwitle Dodgson, known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, was a mathematician, logician, and photographer. Beyond his mathematical prowess, he was a prolific storyteller, creating Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel, Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Lewis Carroll’s unique style and whimsical narratives have captivated generations, making him one of the most celebrated authors of children's literature.

His work often explored complex mathematical concepts through the lens of fantasy, delving into the realm of absurdity and logic. His stories are not only entertaining but also rich with layers of meaning, appealing to both young and old readers.