Alice's Friendship with the Gryphon

The Gryphon becomes Alice's guide and companion, introducing her to the Mock Turtle and providing a mischievous but loyal presence during her final adventures.

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Meeting the Gryphon

A Lazy Guide The Gryphon's First Words The Queen orders the Gryphon to take Alice to see the Mock Turtle. The Gryphon, who has been sleeping, wakes up and watches the Queen leave, then chuckles and says, "What fun!" He tells Alice that the Queen never actually executes anyone—it's all her fancy. This revelation makes Alice feel safer, and she begins to trust the Gryphon. The Gryphon's Personality The Gryphon is a curious creature: part lion, part eagle, with a mischievous sense of humor. He is not intimidated by the Queen or the court, and he treats Alice with a kind of rough friendliness. He orders her about, but he also protects her, as when he pulls her away from the Mock Turtle's song to go to the trial.

The Mock Turtle's Story

A Shared Experience The Gryphon's Interjections While the Mock Turtle tells his story, the Gryphon frequently interrupts with comments and corrections. He scolds Alice for asking simple questions, but he also shows a protective attitude toward the Mock Turtle, as when he tells the Mock Turtle to "drive on." The Gryphon's presence makes the encounter less intimidating for Alice. The Gryphon's Shared Song During the Lobster Quadrille, the Gryphon sings and dances with the Mock Turtle. He corrects the Mock Turtle's song and adds his own explanations. The bond between the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle is one of old companions, and Alice is included in their circle. The Gryphon's friendship offers Alice a respite from the hostility of the Queen and the court.

The Gryphon's Final Task

A Swift Departure The Gryphon's Urgency When the cry of "The trial's beginning!" is heard, the Gryphon takes Alice's hand and hurries off, not waiting for the Mock Turtle to finish his song. The Gryphon's urgency shows that he is still subject to the orders of the court, but he also seems protective of Alice, wanting her to see the trial. The Gryphon's Role in the Trial Although the Gryphon does not appear in the trial scene, he has already fulfilled his role as Alice's guide. He has shown her the softer side of Wonderland—the friendship and absurdity of the Mock Turtle—and prepared her for the final confrontation. The Gryphon's friendship is a brief but meaningful emotional bond in a world of chaos.

after the croquet game, at the sea-shore

during the Mock Turtle's recounting

at the end of the Mock Turtle's scene, before the trial