The Hunting of the Snark Summary

The Absurdity of Logic and Language

Carroll consistently upends usual logic and language throughout the poem. The Bellman's blank map, random compass, and contradictory Snark descriptions all show the uselessness of applying rational thought to an irrational world. The characters' hunting methods—using thimbles and soap—are inherently nonsensical, showing the poem's embrace of the absurd. This theme challenges the reader to find meaning in the illogical, reflecting the nature of nonsense literature, where the journey is more about the bizarre experience than a clear solution. The Barrister's dream of a pig suing a Snark is another clear example.

“He had forty-two boxes, all carefully packed, / With his name painted clearly on each: / But since he forgot his own name when he snacked, / He never could remember to teach.”

Fear of the Unknown

The Snark, especially its Boojum form, represents the ultimate unknown and the fear it causes. The Baker's constant worry and eventual disappearance due to the Boojum show the destructive power of this fear. The crew goes on a quest for something vaguely defined and potentially dangerous, reflecting humanity's natural apprehension towards what cannot be understood or controlled. The Banker's descent into madness after a perceived encounter with a Snark further shows how the unknown can destroy sanity, even without a direct, physical threat.

“For the Snark's a peculiar creature, that won't / Be caught in a commonplace way. / Do all that you know, and don't do what you don't; / And don't waste your time in a play.”

The Futility of the Quest

The entire expedition to hunt the Snark appears as a pointless effort from the start. The Bellman's inadequate tools and instructions, combined with the Snark's elusive and undefined nature, suggest that success is impossible. Each character's bizarre and ineffective hunting methods further emphasize this futility. The final outcome—the Baker vanishing without the Snark ever truly being 'caught' or understood—shows that the journey itself, with all its absurdities and dangers, is the only real 'event,' rather than a successful capture. The quest is pointless, yet the characters pursue it with firm, if misguided, determination.

“They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care; / They pursued it with forks and hope; / They threatened its life with a railway-share; / They charmed it with smiles and soap.”

Nonsense and Meaning

Despite its clear nonsensical nature, the poem invites readers to find deeper meanings within its absurdity. The illogical events and characters can be seen as a comment on various parts of life, such as the pursuit of impossible goals, the irrationality of human behavior, or the random nature of existence. The poem shows that meaning can come even from chaos and that seeking understanding, even when faced with the incomprehensible, is a human effort. The mix of humor and underlying dread contributes to this complex interaction between nonsense and possible meaning.

“And the Banker, inspired with a courage so new / It was hardly, he felt, his own, / Was heard to exclaim, 'Let us take it as true / That the Snark is a species of Bohn!'”

Nonsense Verse

Poetry characterized by its deliberate illogicality and playful use of language.

Nonsense verse is the fundamental device of 'The Hunting of the Snark.' Carroll employs absurd situations, illogical arguments, and whimsical wordplay to create a world where conventional rules do not apply. This device is evident in the Bellman's blank map, the contradictory descriptions of the Snark, and the nonsensical methods used to hunt it. It challenges the reader's expectations of narrative coherence, inviting them to embrace the joy of the illogical and the creative freedom of language itself. The humor and charm of the poem derive directly from its commitment to nonsense.

Prophecy

A prediction of future events, often with a sense of inevitability.

The prophecy delivered by the Baker's uncle regarding the Boojum is a crucial plot device. It introduces a specific, terrifying danger into the otherwise whimsical narrative, creating a sense of foreboding. The repeated mention of 'softly and suddenly vanish away' builds tension and ensures that the Baker's ultimate fate feels both shocking and inevitable. This device transforms the abstract fear of the Snark into a concrete, personal threat, giving the hunt a tragic dimension and fulfilling the narrative arc of the Baker's character.

Allegory/Symbolism

The use of characters or events to represent abstract ideas or principles.

While 'The Hunting of the Snark' is primarily a work of nonsense, it can be interpreted allegorically. The Snark itself can symbolize elusive goals, abstract concepts, or even death. The various crew members, with their distinct professions, could represent different facets of human society or approaches to problem-solving, all ultimately rendered ineffective in the face of the unknown. The quest itself can be seen as an allegory for life's journey, filled with arbitrary rules, unexpected dangers, and an often ambiguous purpose, where the pursuit is more significant than the attainment of a clear goal.

Character Archetypes

Recurring patterns of characters with universal traits or roles.

Carroll uses character archetypes to populate his crew, even while subverting their traditional roles. The Bellman acts as the 'leader' (albeit a misguided one), the Baker as the 'fearful one,' the Butcher as the 'strong but sensitive one,' and the Barrister as the 'intellectual.' These archetypes provide a familiar framework for the reader, even as their actions and dialogue are entirely unconventional. By employing these recognizable types within a nonsensical context, Carroll highlights the inherent absurdities of human nature and societal roles when confronted with the truly bizarre.