Anon, to sudden silence won, In fancy they pursueThe dream-child moving through the landOf wonders wild and new,In friendly chat with bird or beast - And half believe it true.
In this excerpt from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass," the narrator reflects on the nature of childhood imagination and the tendency to believe in fantastical things. The sudden silence is seen as a victory of the imaginative world, where the child's mind can freely dream and explore wondrous realms. The imagination is depicted as lively and vibrant, full of magical creatures and extraordinary landscapes.
Throughout the passage, the quote emphasizes how children enjoy engaging in conversations with imaginary friends, animals, and other whimsical beings. This playful interaction fuels their belief that such adventures are real, enriching their understanding of wonder and making their imaginary worlds feel vivid and authentic. Carroll captures the innocence and magic of childhood curiosity and the power of imagination to create a fantastical reality.
