Probably the most interesting and curious character in world literature is the Cheshire Cat. This hero impresses with his ability to appear and disappear at the most unpredictable moment, leaving behind only a smile. No less curious are the quotes from the Cheshire Cat, which amaze with their unusual logic and make you think about many issues. But this character appeared much earlier than the author wrote it in the book. And interestingly enough, where did the author get the idea of him.
Why is the cat smiling?
The Cheshire cat was invented by Lewis Carroll for the book Alice in Wonderland. It is noteworthy that in the first version of the story this character was absent and appeared only in 1865. Most likely, its appearance is due to the popular expression “smile of the Cheshire Cat” in those days. And this saying has two common versions of its origin. The author of the book himself was born and raised in the county of Cheshire, and there it was fashionable to draw lions above the entrance to the taverns. But since no one saw these predators, they were given the appearance of toothy and smiling cats.
The second version is as follows: cheese heads in the form of smiling cats were made in the county of Cheshire and were popular throughout England. But what does the smile of the Cheshire Cat mean? On this issue, disputes still do not subside. Some philologists believe that nevertheless it is connected with cheese. Others dispute, saying that even cats laughed at the "high" rank attributed to themselves by the county of Cheshire, which was a provincial province with small dimensions.
Disappearing Cat (Cheshire)
In addition to a smile, there is another no less interesting skill of this character - it is to dissolve and materialize in the air at will, but where did the author get this idea? At one time, there was a legend about the Congleton cat: one fine day, the beloved abbess's favorite disappeared, but after a few days the nun heard a familiar scratch.
Opening the door, she saw her beloved cat, which at the same moment dissolved in the air. Since then, this ghost has been seen by many visitors to the abbey. Lewis Carroll himself was known for his penchant for mysticism and was probably impressed by this story, which he embodied in his character.
Cheshire Cat Country
Surely it would not be a lie to call the Wonderland the kingdom of Cheshire Cat. Indeed, from the first meeting in the kitchen of the Duchess, this character accompanied Alice. Moreover, he was her mentor and helped get out of difficult and ridiculous situations, despite the fact that his dialogues with Alice did not always bring her pleasure, and sometimes annoyed enough. The philosophical questions that Cheshire Cat liked to ask, confused Alice, but, after a little reflection, she found a way out of situations thanks to them. His expressions have long been parsed into quotes that are used to emphasize the absurdity of situations.
Character character
When reading a book, most readers have the impression that this character is quite friendly and nice. And indeed it is. Cheshire Cat has some inexplicable charm despite the fact that he prefers a loner life. He is optimistic, cheerful and will always come to the rescue in difficult times.
But at the same time, the cat is selfish and never pleads guilty due to obstinacy. Extremely irritable and impulsive, due to which he can commit unseemly acts, which he will regret in the soul, but will not admit to this. Vain and a little crafty, although he himself does not tolerate lies. Especially interesting is his attitude to himself, because the Cat considers himself crazy only because he is surrounded by madmen. In general, this is the most contrasting and inimitable character in world literature.
Culture and Cheshire Cat
This hero has long gained a reputation as a cult, and many authors use his image in his works, for example, such as Jeff Nuna, Andrzej Sapkowski, Jasper Fforde, Frank Beddor. The Cheshire Cat gained immense popularity in such an art form as anime. There are also a large number of comics with his participation. Recently, tattoos featuring a Cheshire cat have gained popularity.
But still, the most interesting images of the character were embodied in the adventures of Alice. The popular Disney cartoon, released in 1951, introduces us to this cat as an intellectual with a harmful character, which is sometimes classified as one of the Disney villains. In a computer game about Alice’s adventures in Wonderland spoiled by nightmares called Alice Madness Returns, this hero appeared before us in the image of a thin cat with tattoos, but continuing to act as a travel guide and with his quotes making the main character think about events.
Another noteworthy Cheshire Cat we saw in the film adaptation of Alice's adventures from Tim Burton. Although he was a computer character, he was still remembered for his half-screen smile and relentless zeal for useful advice. This hero possessed elegance, calm and imposing, as well as the ability to hide cowardice under a seductive smile. His ability to get out of ridiculous situations was manifested at the moment when the Hatter accused the cat of fleeing when capturing the throne by the Red Queen. But thanks to his talents and skills, Cheshire rehabilitated among friends and made amends.