The Hunting of the Snark



"For the Snark was a Boojum, you see."

"The Hunting of the Snark (An Agony in 8 Fits)" is a Narrative Poem by Lewis Carroll, telling the story of a group of unnamed adventurers as they search for the elusive Snark, a vaguely-described creature which lives on a remote island.

The poem may be considered a Spiritual Successor to "Jabberwocky" from Through the Looking Glass, and contains several of the same creatures that are mentioned in "Jabberwocky".

Worth noting is how the poem was constructed - the page quote is the last line, which was the first line that Carroll thought of. The rest of the poem was made to build up to it.

"He would answer to "Hi!" or to any loud cry,
 * Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep": Most of the characters.
 * For Doom the Bell Tolls: As well as several mentions in the text, it's notable that the Bellman's bell is in every single illustration.
 * Hey, You: Played with, due to the Baker having forgotten his own name:

Such as "Fry me!" or "Fritter my wig!"

To "What-you-may-call-um!" or "What-was-his-name!""

- But especially "Thing-um-a-jig!"

"His intimate friends called him "Candle-ends,""
 * This also leads to an I Have Many Names:

- And his enemies "Toasted-cheese."

"The Bellman perceived that their spirits were low,
 * Incredibly Lame Pun: From the Bellman

And repeated in musical tone

Some jokes he had kept for a season of woe—"

- But the crew would do nothing but groan.

""Just the place for a Snark!" the Bellman cried,
 * Also, snarks look grave at them.
 * The Musical: One was made of it in The Eighties.
 * Rule of Three:

As he landed his crew with care;

Supporting each man on the top of the tide"

- By a finger entwined in his hair.

""Just the place for a Snark! I have said it twice:

That alone should encourage the crew.

Just the place for a Snark! I have said it thrice:"

- What I tell you three times is true."


 * Theme Initials: Everyone's appellation starts with a B.
 * World of Chaos