Introduction

Often when we delve into the world of Alice in Wonderland, we are captivated by the tale's whimsical narrative and imaginative settings. However, the story is deeply rooted in a real-life encounter with a young girl named Alice Liddell. This article aims to uncover the truth about the real Alice Liddell, the girl who inspired one of the most beloved characters in literature.

Who Was the Real Alice Liddell?

The character of Alice in Alice in Wonderland was based on the younger daughter of Henry George Liddell and his wife, Frances Charlotte Liddell. Her full name was Alice Pleasance Liddell.

It is worth noting that there are variations in how her name is spelled. Some sources refer to her as 'Alice Lindell', which led to questions about whether it was a collective mistake or if it was her middle name. However, according to the poem 'The Looking Glass Alice', her full name is spelled out as 'Alice Pleasance Liddell', suggesting a single and definitive spelling.

The Inspiration for the Alice Character

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, had a close friendship with the Liddell family, particularly with Alice Liddell and her older sister, Lorina. Part of the inspiration for the Alice character came from a boating trip Dodgson took with Alice and her sisters in July 1862. During this trip, Dodgson told them a story which later evolved into the narrative that became Alice in Wonderland.

The Relationship Between Dodgson and Alice Liddell

The relationship between Charles Dodgson and Alice Liddell has been the subject of much speculation and controversy. Some sources suggest that Dodgson had a romantic interest in Alice, while others point to the nature of the friendship. Dodgson frequently took photos of the children and wrote tales for their entertainment, which led to the creation of the Alice stories.

Speculations About the Nature of Their Relationship

The breakdown of the friendship in 1863, coupled with the loss of many pages from Dodgson's diary during that period, has fueled various theories. One such theory is that Dodgson may have had inappropriate thoughts or motives towards Alice or her sister Lorina. Some people have even suggested that there may have been an inappropriate relationship.

Despite these speculations, the Liddell family has not publicly discussed what happened. However, a descendant of Alice Liddell once stated, "My understanding is that he was in love with Alice but he was so repressed that he never would have transgressed any boundaries".

The Controversial Photograph

There has been a photograph attributed to Lewis Carroll that was found in a collection in France, featuring a naked teenage girl. Some believe it is of one of the Liddell sisters, possibly Lorina. However, Carroll's photography work was more in line with the Victorian ideal of children's innocence rather than pornography. These photographs would be seen as extremely inappropriate today.

While there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Dodgson was a pedophile, given the controversy, it is clear that the relationship between Dodgson and Alice Liddell remains shrouded in mystery.

Life Post-Inspiration

Following the creation of the Alice stories, Alice Liddell grew up to become a remarkable individual. In the 1870s, both Alice and her older sister Lorina were considered to be great beauties. Alice particularly caught the eye of Prince Leopold, the youngest son of Queen Victoria, but nothing came of the potential romance.

Despite the public interest in her life and the historical context of her interactions with Dodgson, much of Alice Liddell's life remains a private matter. Her full life story and her thoughts on the inspiration behind the Alice in Wonderland narrative have largely been lost to history.

Conclusion

The real Alice Liddell, the girl who inspired the character of Alice in Alice in Wonderland, was a fascinating individual whose life and story remain a subject of much speculation. Whether she and Charles Dodgson had a romantic relationship or their friendship was purely platonic, the legacy of their interaction has brought joy and wonder to readers worldwide.