Reeling and Writhing of course, to begin with,' the Mock Turtle replied, 'and the different branches of arithmetic-ambition, distraction, uglification, and derision.
The Mock Turtle describes his initial feelings of being overwhelmed and distressed, comparing his reactions to reeling and writhing. He mentions various pursuits that distract or amuse him, such as ambition, distraction, uglification, and derision, which seem to represent the frivolous or silly aspects of his activities.
He uses these phrases to reflect on the whimsical and nonsensical nature of his experiences, characteristic of the Wonderland universe. The quote highlights the playful and absurd tone of Lewis Carroll's work, capturing the surreal and comical atmosphere of the story.
