"Well! I've often seen a cat without a grin," thought Alice, "but a grin without a cat! It's the most curious thing I ever saw in my life!" Alice is expressing her surprise at encountering something unusual, highlighting her fascination with the oddities of Wonderland. This quote emphasizes the whimsical and unpredictable nature of the world she is exploring, where normal expectations often do not apply.
The statement reflects Alice’s wonder and curiosity about the strange events and characters she encounters. The idea of a grin existing independently of a cat symbolizes the fantastical and surreal atmosphere of Wonderland, where logic is bent, and the impossible becomes possible. It showcases Alice’s amazement at the bizarre and delightful surprises that define her adventures.