Original artwork, not a still
Through the Looking-Glass ‧ 1872
Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The Queen treats belief as a muscle to be trained, which turns Alice's common sense into a lack of practice. That is why the line is quoted by anyone defending imagination, optimism or creative work, and by anyone justifying a ridiculous idea. It also shows how the Looking-Glass world works: the Queen's matter-of-fact tone makes the impossible sound like a daily chore.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Through the Looking-GlassShow the scene
The White Queen says this to Alice in Chapter V, "Wool and Water", of Through the Looking-Glass (published December 1871, dated 1872). She has just told Alice she is one hundred and one, five months and a day. Alice says she cannot believe that, because one cannot believe impossible things. The Queen replies that Alice has had too little practice, and that at Alice's age she herself tried for half an hour a day. Her shawl blows away straight afterwards and she flies after it.
Sources (2)
- Project Gutenberg: Through the Looking-GlassChapter V, Wool and WaterReference checked
- Wikipedia: Through the Looking-GlassIntroductionReference checked
Context reviewed
