In the excerpt from "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll, the quote advises speaking sternly to a young boy and hitting him when he sneezes. This reflects a humorous and exaggerated approach to disciplining children, suggesting that such actions might be due to a child's mischievous nature. The tone is playful, highlighting the whimsical and fanciful style characteristic of the book.

The quote also hints at the idea that children often act out or misbehave intentionally to seek attention or to tease others. It underscores the humorous perspective the book takes on childhood behavior, emphasizing that sometimes children do things simply to cause amusement or annoyance, which fits with the fantastical and satirical tone of the story.