Adults' Reading Material: The Transformation of "Alice in Wonderland" into a Cultural Meme in Human Society
In the heart of the 1960s, the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland served as a muse for musicians such as Jefferson Airplane with their hit "White Rabbit" and The Beatles with "I Am the Walrus". This enchanting tale, penned by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll in the 19th century, has captivated audiences for over 150 years.
The story tells of a young girl named Alice who, after falling down a rabbit hole, finds herself in a world where logic and learning are lost. This surreal landscape has proven to be an easily adaptable and flexible canvas for artists' visions. From Salvador Dalí's watery, abstract drawings in the 1960s to Tim Burton's cinematic adaptation in the 21st century, the characters and world of Alice in Wonderland have inspired countless artists, filmmakers, and designers.
John Tenniel, a renowned illustrator, was chosen to bring Carroll's imaginative world to life with his illustrations. His work, published alongside the original story, was widely used in Victorian-era products soon after they were published. However, interpretations of the characters have varied over the years. For instance, Jonathan Miller's 1966 BBC adaptation portrayed the characters as recognizable "types" rather than animals, while Disney's 1951 animation solidified the blonde hair trend for the character of Alice.
The story's impact extends beyond the realm of art. In the realm of travel, Okan Okumuş has written several guides inspired by Alice's adventurous spirit. His guides, "Southeast Asia - An Alternative Travel Guide", "South Africa - An Alternative Travel Guide", and "Beyond Borders" about twelve countries in Latin America, offer alternative routes and recommendations for travellers seeking unique experiences.
More recently, the world of Alice in Wonderland has been reimagined in unexpected ways. In 2018, the Pirelli calendar featured an all-black cast, using the unexpectedness of the cast to bring power to the images. Adrian Piper and Joseph McHugh have also drawn deeply from the Alice fairy tale's distinctive dreamy colors and oranges in their work.
The first stage adaptation of Alice in Wonderland was made in 1876, and since then, the tale has continued to inspire and captivate audiences. Whether it's through art, travel, or the stage, the world of Alice in Wonderland remains a timeless source of inspiration.
