Who is the Cheshire Cat? Character Quotes

Probably the most interesting and curious character in world literature is Cheshire Cat. This hero amazes with his ability to appear and disappear at the most unpredictable moments, leaving behind only a smile. No less interesting are the quotes from the Cheshire Cat, which amaze with their unusual logic and make you think about many questions. But this character appeared much earlier than the author wrote him into the book. And it’s quite interesting where the author got the idea for it.

Why is the cat smiling?

The Cheshire Cat was created by Lewis Carroll for the book Alice in Wonderland. It is noteworthy that in the first version of the story this character was absent and appeared only in 1865. Most likely, its appearance is due to the expression “the smile of the Cheshire Cat”, popular at that time. And this saying has two common versions of its origin. The author of the book himself was born and raised in Cheshire, and it was there that it was fashionable to paint lions above the entrance to taverns. But since no one saw these predators, they were given the appearance of toothy and smiling cats.

The second version is as follows: cheese wheels in the shape of smiling cats were produced in Cheshire and were popular throughout England. But what does the smile of the Cheshire Cat mean? There is still ongoing debate on this issue. Some philologists believe that this is still connected with cheese. Others dispute, saying that at that time even cats laughed at the “high” title that the county of Cheshire, which was a provincial province with a small size, ascribed to itself.

The Endangered Cat (Cheshire)

In addition to the smile, there is another equally interesting skill of this character - to dissolve and materialize in the air at will, but where did the author get this idea? At one time there was a legend about the Congleton cat: one fine day the abbess's favorite disappeared, but a few days later the nun heard a familiar scratching sound.

Opening the door, she saw her beloved cat, who at that very moment disappeared into thin air. Since then, this ghost has been seen by many visitors to the abbey. Lewis Carroll himself was known for his penchant for mysticism and was probably impressed by this story, which he embodied in his character.

Cheshire Cat Country

Surely it would not be a lie to call Wonderland the kingdom of the Cheshire Cat. After all, from the first meeting in the Duchess’s kitchen, this character accompanied Alice. Moreover, he was her mentor and helped her get out of difficult and absurd situations, despite the fact that his dialogues with Alice did not always bring her pleasure, and sometimes were quite annoying. The philosophical questions that the Cheshire Cat loved to ask confused Alice, but, after thinking a little, she found a way out of situations thanks to them. His expressions have long been disassembled into quotes, which are used to emphasize the absurdity of situations.

Character character

When reading the book, most readers got the impression that this character is quite friendly and nice. And indeed it is. The Cheshire Cat has some inexplicable charm despite the fact that he prefers a solitary life. He is optimistic, cheerful and will always come to the rescue in difficult times.

But at the same time, the cat is selfish and never admits his guilt due to stubbornness. He is extremely irritable and impulsive, due to which he can commit unseemly acts that he will regret in his soul, but will not admit to it. He is vain and a little crafty, although he himself cannot stand lies. His attitude towards himself is especially interesting, because the Cat considers himself crazy only because he is surrounded by crazy people. In general, this is the most contrasting and inimitable character in world literature.

Culture and the Cheshire Cat

This hero has long acquired a cult reputation, and his image is used by many authors in their works, for example, Jeff Noona, Andrzej Sapkowski, Jasper Fforde, Frank Beddor. The Cheshire Cat has gained enormous popularity in such an art form as anime. There is also a large number of comics with his participation. IN Lately Tattoos depicting the Cheshire cat have become popular.

But still the most interesting images characters were embodied in the adventures of Alice. The popular Disney cartoon, released in 1951, introduces this cat as an intellectual with a mischievous personality who is sometimes classified as one of Disney's villains. IN computer game about the adventures of Alice in a Wonderland spoiled by nightmares called Alice Madness Returns, this hero appeared before us in the form of a thin cat with tattoos, but continues to act as a travel guide and, with his quotes, makes the main character think about the events.

We saw another remarkable Cheshire Cat in the film adaptation of Alice's adventures from Tim Burton. Although it was computer character, still he is remembered for his half-screen smile and tireless zeal to give useful tips. This hero had elegance, calmness and impressiveness, as well as the ability to hide cowardice under a seductive smile. His ability to get out of ridiculous situations was demonstrated at the moment when the Hatter accused the cat of running away when the Red Queen seized the throne. But thanks to his talents and skills, Cheshire was rehabilitated among his friends and made amends.

The childhood of each of us was absolutely “spoiled” by fairy tales. We heard all sorts of stories. And how often we imagined that we would find ourselves in this very story. But did we imagine that we could move into all fairy tales at once? And that not all of their heroes and plots will be good? We've grown up and it's time to find out the truth. Quotes from Alice in Wonderland will help with this. Their magic has not faded over the years. On the contrary, it has gained strength and experience and now easily and shamelessly charms us.

What made Alice’s journey so exciting, and for us useful and interesting: the most unexpected acquaintances; the world of fairy tales surprised the girl; the rules that Alice came up with for herself; the wisdom of the Cat who knows how to smile.

And, despite the fact that Lewis Carroll presented his “non-fictional” story as a dream of his tiny niece, I really want to believe in it. And it seems that this fairy tale is more intended for older people. There are so many secrets in it that you can solve them endlessly. Many phrases have become catchphrases and accompany us throughout our lives. All Alice in Wonderland quotes are familiar and common. But their magic is still obvious, because in at different ages they are perceived in a new way.

Quotes and the most unexpected acquaintances

We expect from them the minimum that is found in all children's fairy tales: little animals can talk, plants can sing songs. But here everything is different! Everything is presented with an incredible play of imagination. And that is why each character is colorful, and his words and actions amaze with accuracy and wisdom, which is why they turn into.

- Where can I find someone normal?
“Nowhere,” answered the Cat, “there are no normal people.” After all, everyone is so different and dissimilar. And this, in my opinion, is normal.

Only fools think that tea calms the nerves, they just weren’t at a real tea party... a mug of tea is like an injection of adrenaline into the heart.

Caterpillar. Winged sayings were replenished with amazing advice from the wise Caterpillar-philosopher.

Hatter. This hero, in both words and deeds, is one of the picturesque characters of the fairy tale. Quotes from the Hatter, his conclusions and riddles about time are a valuable pearl of our collection. At the same time, funny and educational.

Humpty Dumpty. It’s interesting, but it was this philosopher of the Looking Glass country who gave birth to the day of the unborn!) His statements did not lead to the fact that this holiday became official, although, probably, all the inhabitants of the Earth would not refuse to receive gifts and congratulations not 1 day a year, but 364! It is no coincidence that such a bright idea has become so popular that the authors of the film project of the same name use it. Many who watched this film remember these bright Alice in Wonderland.

Cat. Everyone knows about the smile of the Cheshire Cat. Probably, each of us, ever since we heard or read about it, has been trying to find it on our familiar pets... what if one of them turns out to be magical!

How did the world of fairy tales surprise the girl? Alice was not just caught up in a story about good and evil. Where she found herself, everything came to life and took on forms, giving a different, unusual for us, idea of ​​itself. Animals, plants, houses, games, sayings and even traditions appeared before the girl in an unusual way. And at the same time, quotes from Alice Through the Looking Glass were born, which became popular and beloved.

The wisdom of the Cat that can smile and the Rules that Alice came up with for herself

It would be interesting to see that what will be left of me when I am gone.

The most remarkable thing is that the heroine was not at a loss. She immediately began to formalize everything into rules. These Alice in Wonderland shows how childish we can all be. They are paraphrased, they are thought about, they are argued about. But these simple and naive words are so sweet that they amaze with their purity and subtle, English approach to humor.

And.. And what are they doing there? – the girl asked, inevitably blushing.
“As it should be,” the cat yawned. – Happens...

Who is the Cheshire cat? February 22nd, 2014

“What are those sounds over there?” asked Alice, nodding at the very secluded thickets of some pretty vegetation at the edge of the garden.
“And these are miracles,” explained the Cheshire Cat indifferently.
“And.. And what are they doing there,” the girl asked, inevitably blushing.
“As expected,” the cat yawned. “They happen”...

So who is this Cheshire cat?

The Cheshire Cat (English: Cheshire Cat, also Maslenitsa Cat translated by V. Nabokov) is a character in Lewis Carroll’s book “Alice in Wonderland.” A constantly grinning cat who can at will gradually dissolve into the air, leaving only a smile as a farewell. Alice is occupied not only with conversations that amuse her, but also with sometimes overly annoying philosophical speculations.

The only character who is a “countryman” of the author is a native of Cheshire.

In the original version of Lewis Carroll's book, the Cheshire Cat was not present as such. It appeared only in 1865. In those days, the expression “smiles like a Cheshire cat” was often used. There are different versions of the origin of this saying. Here are two of them.

In Cheshire, where Carroll was born, a hitherto unknown painter painted grinning cats over tavern doors. Historically they were grinning lions (or leopards), but few people saw lions in Cheshire.

The second explanation (Notes and Queries, No. 55, Nov. 16, 1850) says that the appearance of smiling cats was once given to the famous Cheshire cheeses, the history of which goes back more than nine centuries.

In The Book of Fictitious Creatures, in the section “The Cheshire Cat and the Kilkenny Cats” (The Cheshire Cat and the Killkenny Cats), Borges writes:
IN English language There is an expression “grin like a Cheshire cat” (to grin sardonically like a Cheshire cat). Offered different explanations. One is that in Cheshire they sold cheeses that looked like the head of a smiling cat. The second is that “even cats laughed at the high rank of the small county of Cheshire.” Another thing is that during the reign of Richard III in Cheshire there lived a forester, Caterling, who, when he caught poachers, grinned evilly.

There is also information that when creating the image of the Cat, Carroll was allegedly inspired by carved wooden ornaments in the church of the village of Croft in the north-east of England, where his father served as a pastor; and also that in one of the towns in Cheshire there was a legend about the ghost of a cat appearing and disappearing.

“What are those sounds over there?” asked Alice, nodding at the very secluded thickets of some pretty vegetation at the edge of the garden.
“And these are miracles,” explained the Cheshire Cat indifferently.
“And.. And what are they doing there,” the girl asked, inevitably blushing.
“As expected,” the cat yawned. “They happen”...

Can you disappear and appear less suddenly? Otherwise my head is spinning.
“Okay,” said the Cat and disappeared - this time very slowly. The tip of his tail disappeared first, and his smile last; she hovered in the air for a long time, when everything else had already disappeared.
- Y-yes! - thought Alice. “I’ve seen cats without a smile, but smiles without a cat!” I have never seen anything like this in my life.

Cheshire Cat: Taking anything in this world seriously is a fatal mistake.
Alice: Is life serious?
Cheshire Cat: Oh yes, life is serious! But not very...

You see, this still cannot be avoided, - said the Cat, - after all, we are all crazy here. I'm crazy. You're crazy…

Why do you know that I'm crazy? - asked Alice.
“Because you are here,” the Cat said simply, “otherwise you wouldn’t have gotten here.”

Any road begins with the first step: banal, but true. Even here.

At times, in her madness, I see glimpses of real talent.

It's better to know where you're going than to wander around unknown.

Talking about bloodshed at the table spoils my appetite.

How should I understand you?
- You don't need to understand me. Be sure to love and feed on time.

In this article you will learn:

Cheshire Cat from Wonderland - famous hero books by L. Carroll “Alice in Wonderland”.

Creating an image

This hero was not in Carroll's original work. The character appeared in 1865 thanks to the popular expression “Smile like the Cheshire Cat” and there are theories about this: 1. The legendary cheese produced in Cheshire was made to look like a smiling cat; 2. Cheshire was so small and it was called a county, even cats laughed at it.

Cheshire cat from the movie

Characteristic:

The good-natured Cheshire cat smiled constantly and could disappear, leaving only his wide smile for consideration. The cat was also that philosopher, he could deliver more than one speech, at the same time inserting something funny. The character moved freely through the air and could teleport.

Cheshire considered himself crazy, since everyone around him was crazy. He wagged his tail when he was angry and angry when he was happy.

“I’ve seen cats without a smile. But a smile without a cat!..”

Story

The character is firmly established in popular culture. There is no person who does not know this smiling character. The cat first appeared in Carroll's book Alice in Wonderland and belonged to the Duchess. Cartoons, games, comics all about the same girl Alice brought him great popularity.

The creature's habitat is Wonderland, which is inhabited by a variety of, no less strange heroes. Best friends The cat is the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the Dormouse, with whom he organizes Crazy Tea Parties.

Among Cheshire's friends, there was a girl named Alice who called him Cheshirick.

Photo

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There are many original and memorable characters in world literature, but one of the most intriguing can be called the Cheshire Cat. This mysterious furball first appeared in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland back in 1865, and recently turned 150 years old. But, despite such a “respectable” age, the Cheshire Cat remains the adoration of millions of readers around the world.

The walk that gave the character

On July 4, 1862, Professor Charles Dodgson went on a picnic in the company of Robinson Duckworth, Henry Liddell and his three daughters. And none of them imagined what impact their little trip would have on world literature. Liddell's daughters had long known that Johnson could tell incredible stories, and this time they asked the professor to surprise them with a story. Charles could not refuse them and quickly came up with a fairy tale about a girl Alice, who went in search of adventure in a fantasy land.

Liddell’s middle daughter, who, by the way, had the same name as the main character, liked this story so much that she asked Johnson to write it down for her. Charles took up the manuscript the very next day after the picnic, and in November 1864, the first version of Alice's adventures appeared, which he presented to his young fan.

Johnson was so moved by the story that he decided to publish it. To do this, the professor took the pseudonym Lewis Carroll, and in addition, he doubled the volume of the fairy tale and added a new character to it. So on the pages literary work The Cheshire Cat appeared.

Mystery of origin

In those distant times in England, one of the common expressions was the phrase “the smile of a Cheshire cat.” And perhaps she pushed Carroll to create the character. This theory is confirmed by the fact that the phrase meant a sarcastic and ironic smile, characteristic only of the “Cheshire” cat. It is noteworthy that such a breed of domestic animal has never existed. Then how did everyone know about them? Historians have several theories about the origin of the “Cheshire” cats:

• In Cheshire, where Carroll was from, it was fashionable to paint lions and leopards on tavern signs. But since none of the artists had ever seen these predators, they ended up with big smiling cats.
• According to the second theory, the phrase appeared due to the fact that little Cheshire was always proud of his title, which “even the cats laughed at.”
• According to the third theory, the expression became widespread because of the wheels of cheese that the county sold throughout England. They were round with large holes, reminiscent of a cat's face.

That is, then no

The Cheshire Cat, whose photo you will find in the article, is famous not only for its smile, but also for its ability to disappear and appear at the most unexpected moment. According to historians, this ability appeared in the character due to the author's penchant for mysticism. Lewis Carroll was a famous fan of various legends, and he embodied one of them on the pages of his book. It's about about the Congleton cat. We will tell you about this story next.

At the abbess's Congletonsky The abbey had a favorite - a handsome cat. But one day this beloved furball did not return home. A few days later, the abbess heard a familiar scratching sound. Opening the door, the woman saw her cat, but after a few moments the pet seemed to melt into thin air. And for many years this ghost appeared and disappeared every evening before surprised spectators. This legend undoubtedly impressed Carroll, so the Cheshire Cat learned the same skill.

Character Description

In Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat plays the role of both mentor and friend. main character. From their first meeting in the Duchess’s kitchen, the character began to explain the customs and customs of this fantastic kingdom “in his own way.” The cat almost constantly accompanied the girl and helped her find a way out of difficult and absurd situations. And even though his answers did not bring the main character much joy, but rather irritated her, thanks to them Alice was able to perform difficult tasks.

And to this day, phrases and expressions spoken by the character make an almost magical impression on readers. They have long been disassembled into quotes, which are used to emphasize the absurdity and absurdity of the situation.

Character character

The country of the Cheshire Cat is a mysterious and not entirely clear kingdom. So its resident makes a rather ambiguous impression. He seems kind and sweet and has a devilish charm, despite the fact that he chose the life of a loner. By nature, the cat is an optimist and a lover of life and will always help in difficult times.

But at the same time, the character is endowed with selfishness and incredible stubbornness, because of which he does not admit his mistakes. He is quite irritable and impulsive and can commit not entirely plausible actions, which he will regret in the future.

The character is quite vain and can lie when it suits him, although he himself “cannot stand lies.” Perhaps such a contrasting palette of positive and negative qualities and makes him so inimitable.

Cheshire Cat in culture

The character has long become a cult, and his image is gladly used by other authors on the pages of their works. The Cheshire Cat has appeared in novels by Geoff Noon, Jasper Fforde, Andrzej Sapkowski, Frank Beddor and others. Comics were published about his adventures and short stories. And even tattoos depicting this character were wildly popular.

But most often the cat is used in various animated and feature film adaptations of the book. Moreover, each director and producer sees this character in his own way. Thus, in the 1951 cartoon released by the world famous Disney studio, the cat appeared in the role of an intellectual with an extremely harmful character. In this interpretation, he looks more like a villain than a helper to the main character.

No less remarkable is the character we saw in Tim Burton's stunning film adaptation of the book. A cat created with computer graphics, made a lasting impression. His smile, charm, calmness and ability to find a way out difficult situation amazed the audience to the core. And most likely, it was this character that ensured such success for the film.