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Who Was Dinah, and What Did Alice Think of Her?

Published in Alice in Wonderland Characters 3 mins read

Dinah was Alice's beloved cat and a significant character in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. As Alice's bosom companion, Dinah was more than just a pet; she was a confidante and a constant presence in Alice's thoughts and conversations.

Dinah: Alice's Feline Confidante

Dinah's role in Alice's life is clearly defined by her close relationship with Alice:

  • Alice's Cat and Bosom Companion: Dinah is consistently portrayed as Alice's cherished pet and closest friend. The term "bosom companion" underscores the deep emotional bond between them, indicating a relationship built on affection and trust.
  • Frequent Subject of Conversation: Alice often talks to Dinah herself and mentions her frequently to the curious inhabitants of Wonderland. This habit highlights how much Dinah occupies Alice's thoughts, even when she is far from home and surrounded by strange new characters.

What Did Alice Think for/of Dinah?

The question "What did Alice think for her?" can be interpreted in a few ways. Based on the provided information, we can infer Alice's thoughts and feelings towards Dinah, and also clarify a specific thought Alice had in a key moment of her adventure.

Alice's Affection and Connection to Dinah

Given Dinah's status as a "bosom companion," it's evident that Alice thought of her with great affection and fondness. This is reflected in:

  • Comfort and Companionship: Dinah provided Alice with comfort and a sense of normalcy amidst the bizarre events of Wonderland. Alice's frequent mentions of Dinah to others, even when they don't understand, suggest that Dinah represents a piece of home and familiarity that Alice cherishes.
  • Constant Presence in Thoughts: The very act of talking to Dinah and bringing her up in conversations indicates that Dinah was a constant presence in Alice's mind. Alice likely missed Dinah greatly during her adventures and found solace in remembering her.

A Pivotal Thought in the Garden (Clarification)

While Alice certainly held deep affection for Dinah, the provided reference also highlights a specific thought Alice had while in the garden, which was pivotal to her adventure:

  • Curiosity Sparked by the White Rabbit: When Alice was in the garden, she encountered a White Rabbit with pink eyes. This sight made her "full of curiosity," prompting her to follow the Rabbit down the rabbit hole, thus beginning her extraordinary journey into Wonderland. This particular thought was Alice's own reaction to a new, unusual event, and while it happened in a setting where Dinah might have been, it was a thought about the White Rabbit and the unfolding mystery, rather than a direct thought for Dinah.

In essence, Alice thought of Dinah as her beloved, ever-present companion, a source of comfort and a frequent subject of her conversations. Her own thoughts, however, could also be consumed by the wonders and curiosities of the world around her, as demonstrated by her reaction to the White Rabbit.