Aller au contenu
The Library
of Alexandria
Se connecterTry 3 months free3 months free

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 5 summary

Chapter 5 of 12 · 9 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 5, Alice struggles to explain her changing identity to the Caterpillar, who tells her that opposite sides of a mushroom change her height. After shrinking sharply and growing an enormous neck that alarms a Pigeon, she learns to adjust her size and makes herself small enough to approach a little house.

What happens

  1. The Caterpillar questions Alice about her identity, and she explains that changes in size and memory confuse her.
  2. Alice recites a poem about Father William, but the Caterpillar says the whole recitation is wrong.
  3. Before crawling away, the Caterpillar explains that opposite sides of the mushroom make Alice taller or shorter.
  4. Alice tests both pieces, first shrinking sharply and then growing a neck that reaches above the trees.
  5. A Pigeon calls Alice a serpent, rejecting her claim to be a girl because of her neck and egg eating.
  6. Alice uses the mushroom to regain her usual height, then shrinks to nine inches before approaching a small house.

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.

In this chapter

AliceTheme: Uncertain identityTheme: Learning through experimentTheme: Misunderstanding and perspective

What to notice

Alice connects her physical changes with uncertainty about her identity. The Pigeon’s accusation gives this uncertainty another form when it refuses to accept her explanation.

Quick check

How does Alice make herself nine inches tall near the house?

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.

Try 3 months free