The quote features the Mad Hatter from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, posing an enigmatic riddle to Alice. The question, "Why is a raven like a writing-desk?" is famously unanswerable, creating a sense of whimsical mystery. The Hatter then asks Alice if she has figured out the answer, to which she admits she has not, highlighting the playful and nonsensical tone of the story.

The exchange exemplifies the book's theme of curiosity and the bizarre nature of Wonderland. The Hatter's admission of not knowing the answer emphasizes that some riddles are meant to be enjoyed without necessarily finding a solution, encouraging a sense of wonder and imagination in readers.