Summary: What quirky images/ thoughts pop up in my head as I dive into each chapter of The Annotated Alice? Let’s see what happens when “The Rabbit sends in a Little Bill”. (Chapter 4)
(Note: If you’re interested in these ideas, feel free to check out the previous posts on Ch. 1-3 under one of our categories in the side bar, “First Thought? Of Course I Ought!”, too, if you want.)
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My first thoughts?
I have no idea why I didn’t think of the lizard named Bill in the movie when i saw the title, but I honestly was clueless on what was going to happen in this chapter. I even made a note in the margins asking myself “is Bill as in $ or legislation?”. Oh, was I in for a surprise!
One of my problems with this chapter was when the W. Rabbit called/possibly mistaken Alice for “Mary Ann” or a servant. If he knew that Alice was following him or at least he acknowledged her, than how could he have mistaken her as a servant?
Again with the death references! “She’ll get me executed” is a very disturbing quote. What is next? Suicide? (I wouldn’t put it past Carroll.)
We also see the 4th and 5th time Alice’s size is altered. Although this time Alice ignores all of her “real” world instincts and blatantly drinks the bottle with no desire to see if it could perhaps have POISON or maybe DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS. Alas! Every time she does eat or drink in Wonderland she always seems to wish she hadn’t done it.
Will she ever learn?
As I was reading the Pat digging apples scene, this somehow referencing to French in a jokingly way, I really didn’t understand the whole scene. I don’t really think it’s an important scene, although I also never like to be the person “out of the loop”. Any ideas?
My all-time favorite quote out of this chapter would have to be a general chorus of “There goes Bill!” as he flies out of the chimney. Hilarious I tell you!
Was there anyone else who was confused on Alice’s comment on trying to find the lovely garden she saw through the key hole of the door? Is Alice still in the room of doors but just keeps adjusting her size to her surroundings? That is an interesting thought though. What could be a giant in the W. Rabbits house could be very tiny, perhaps even microscopic, in the room of doors. The transition from the doors to the sea of tears and then to the bank was so smooth and unnoticeable that one can just accept Alice is somewhere else other than where she started.
I will leave all of you with this comment. I find it very funny that the large blue caterpillar is sitting on top of a mushroom. A mushroom that could symbolize drugs. To top that off, the Caterpillar is smoking a HOOKAH!!!
Of course, that is just my first thought.
Stay tuned for “First thought? Of Course I Ought!” (Ch. 5)
Image 1 can be found here. Image 2 can be found here.
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The Alice Project #12 
You’re doing quite a nice job wrestling with the change in perspective:
Savvy focus on the “transition” bit.