1a. What does Alice say that upsets Humpty Dumpty when they first meet?
2a. What comment does Alice make to turn the conversation from her age?
3a. What does Humpty Dumpty say about words and their meaning?
4a. Analyze the different ways Humpty Dumpty challenges and confuses Alice.
5a. Evaluate Humpty Dumpty's conversation skills. Compare them to Alice's.
1b. Why does Alice have trouble communicating with Humpty Dumpty?
2b. How does Humpty Dumpty react to Alice's confusion? Why does he change his attitude?
3b. What do his ideas about language suggest about his character and his attitude toward rules?
4b. What would happen if everyone treated words as Humpty Dumpty does?
5b. With whom would you rather have a conversation—Alice or Humpty Dumpty? Why?
Riddle. In what way is Humpty Dumpty's use of language riddle-like? Why do you think Carroll created this encounter?
Fantasy. Identify elements of fantasy in this selection.
1. Choose five words. Write definitions for each word. Include a short explanation of each definition as Humpty Dumpty does as he explains the first few lines of Jaberwocky to Alice.
2. Write a rhyming poem that tells a simple story. Use the poem Humpty Dumpty recites to Alice as a model.
3. Choose an inanimate object and give it human characteristics. Create a comic strip about this object. Use your own paper as necessary.
Word Origins. Using the Oxford English Dictionary in your library, look up a word that has a particularly long entry and prepare a short report describing the words:
1. history-the original form of the word
2. spelling and pronunciation-how it may have changed through time
3. archaic forms-forms which are no longer in use
4. various definitions-if it can be used in more than one way
5. "relatives-other words or uses that are related to it
Communication Critique.Review the Language Arts Survey 4.7–4.10, "Communicating with Others." Examine the exchange between Alice and Humpty Dumpty. Write a critique of their conversation. Why aren't they communicating well?
Analyzing Media.Choose and watch a current movie or television show that is for children. Analyze the movie or show. Is it really appropriate for children? Does it appeal to children on one level and adults on another? Present your findings to the class.
