Vocabulary
What does "beseech" mean?
To beg or plead (Example: "The Walrus did beseech the Oysters to walk with him.")
What is the setting of the poem?
The beach at night, with the sun shining strangely.
: What lesson does the poem teach about trust?
Be careful who you trust—people can be deceptive.
What kind of poem is The Walrus and the Carpenter?
A narrative poem (a poem that tells a story).
Who wrote The Walrus and the Carpenter?
Lewis Carroll.
What is the meaning of "conveniently"?
In a way that is easy or suitable (Example: "The Carpenter rested on a conveniently low rock.")
Why do the young Oysters go with the Walrus and the Carpenter?
They are excited and believe they are going on a fun walk.
How does the poem show gullibility?
The young Oysters blindly follow the Walrus without questioning his motives.
What literary device is in this line: "The sea was wet as wet could be, The sands were dry as dry."
Repetition (The words "wet" and "dry" emphasize the contrast).
Where does the poem appear?
In Through the Looking-Glass (the sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland).
What does "gullible" mean?
Easily fooled or tricked (Example: "The Oysters were gullible and believed the Walrus.")
What happens to the Oysters at the end of the poem?
The Walrus and the Carpenter eat them all.
What is ironic about the Walrus pretending to feel bad?
He cries for the Oysters but still eats them.
What type of figurative language is in "whether pigs have wings"?
Hyperbole (Pigs cannot fly—it's an exaggeration).
Why is it funny that the Oysters have shoes?
Because Oysters don’t have feet!
What is "deception"?
The act of tricking someone (Example: "The Walrus used deception to lure the Oysters.")
Why does the eldest Oyster stay behind?
He is wise and suspicious, so he does not trust the Walrus.
What does the poem teach about appearances vs. reality?
The Walrus seems friendly, but in reality, he is tricking the Oysters.
What tone does the poem start with?
Playful and whimsical, but it later becomes dark and ironic.
If you could change the ending, how would you save the Oysters?
(Creative answers—examples: They escape, a fish warns them, or they trick the Walrus!)
What does "sympathize" mean?
To understand and share another’s feelings (Example: "The Walrus pretended to sympathize with the Oysters.
How does the Walrus distract the Oysters before eating them?
He talks about random things like shoes, ships, sealing wax, cabbages, and kings.
How does this poem connect to real-life situations?
It is like peer pressure, scams, or false advertising—people can be misled.
How does Lewis Carroll use humor in the poem?
He uses funny imagery, silly rhymes, and unexpected twists.
Which character—the Walrus or the Carpenter—do you trust more? Why?
(Creative answers—examples: "Neither, because both are tricksters!" or "The Walrus, because at least he pretends to care.")