Have You Scratched Your Head Over This One? Why a Raven is Like a Writing Desk?
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The quirky question, “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” has puzzled and amused people for over a century. It comes from Lewis Carroll’s classic book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and has sparked countless theories. In this article, we’ll dive into where this riddle comes from, explore different ways people have tried to answer it, and figure out why it still captures our imagination today.
Origins of the Phrase
Lewis Carroll, known by his real name Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, gifted the world with the whimsical wonderland of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” in 1865. In one of its most iconic scenes, the Mad Hatter’s tea party, Carroll sprinkled a delightful dose of perplexity in the form of a riddle. Crafted with mischievous intent, Carroll intentionally left this brain-teaser without a definitive answer, aiming to amuse and bewilder readers in equal measure. It’s a testament to his playful spirit and the enduring enigma that surrounds the world of Wonderland. For more about Carroll’s life and works, check out our Lewis Carroll Biography.
Notes and Flatness:
Carroll’s official response to the riddle was: “Because it can produce a few notes, though they are very flat; and it is never put with the wrong end in front!” This cleverly highlights that both ravens and writing desks produce “notes” (albeit in different ways). Ravens “note” the world with their distinctive caw, while writing desks are where people jot down their thoughts and ideas.
Quills and Communication
- Some suggest that both ravens and writing desks have quills. Ravens use their feathers for flight, while quills were historically used for writing.
- Additionally, both have been tools of communication: ravens delivering messages in ancient times, and writing desks being places where letters were composed
Edgar Allan Poe Connection with the Question: Raven is Like a Writing Desk
Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem “The Raven” was published 20 years before “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” This adds another layer of intrigue to the riddle. Both ravens and writing desks are associated with Poe’s work, adding to the riddle’s mystique. Poe’s use of the raven as a symbol of mournful and never-ending remembrance complements the literary and communicative function of a writing desk, making the connection even more intriguing.
The Riddle’s Enduring Appeal
Why does this riddle continue to fascinate us? Perhaps it’s because it perfectly encapsulates the whimsical and nonsensical spirit of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” The riddle invites us to embrace the absurdity and delight in the playfulness of language. In a world that often seeks logical answers, this riddle reminds us of the joy of pondering unanswerable questions. It sparks creativity, inviting us to think outside the box and find connections where there seemingly are none.
Conclusion
The riddle “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” remains a delightful mystery that has captured the imagination of readers for generations. Its origins in the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll, combined with the clever and varied interpretations it has inspired, ensure that it continues to be a source of wonder and amusement. Whether we ponder Carroll’s own playful answer, the connections to quills and communication, or the literary ties to Edgar Allan Poe, the riddle invites us to embrace the joy of curiosity and the beauty of the unknown. So next time you come across this enigmatic question, let your mind wander and enjoy the delightful puzzle it presents.