Surprising parallels: How The Changeling is similar to "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll

In the episode "Asterisk" of The Changeling, Victor LaValle delves into the themes of transformation, questioning the presence of witches, and the power of water. Throughout the episode, the narrative explores the complexities of relationships, loss, and the search for redemption. As we delve into the intricacies of this episode, it becomes evident that it shares intriguing similarities with Lewis Carroll's renowned literary work, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."One of the central themes in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is the idea of entering a fantastical world that challenges the rules of logic and reality. Similarly, "Asterisk" presents us with a situation where Victor and Patrice embark on a journey that takes them outside their comfort zones and plunges them into a world of unexpected events. This element of venturing into the unknown is reminiscent of Alice's journey through the rabbit hole, which propels her into a realm filled with peculiar creatures and nonsensical situations.In both narratives, the protagonists encounter enigmatic characters who possess their own peculiarities. In "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," Alice encounters whimsical characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, each with their distinct personalities and idiosyncrasies. Similarly, "Asterisk" introduces us to William, a character who offers Victor and Patrice a substantial sum of money for a book. William's desire for reconciliation and his unique creation of the Rock-A-Bye app mirror the eccentricities of the characters in Carroll's work.Water serves as a symbol of transformation throughout both "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Asterisk." In Carroll's tale, Alice constantly changes size when she consumes various substances and interacts with bodies of water. This metamorphosis reflects the fluidity and adaptability required to navigate Wonderland successfully. Similarly, water plays a significant role in "Asterisk," where the transformative power of water is explored. The presence of water in the form of the river and the island emphasizes the idea of change and the potential for new beginnings.Exploring the notion of trust is another interesting parallel between the two narratives. In "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," Alice encounters characters whose trustworthiness she must question, such as the conniving Knave of Hearts or the enigmatic caterpillar. Similarly, in "Asterisk," Apollo is faced with the decision of whether to trust William and Cal, who both claim to have information about Apollo's wife, Emma. The constant uncertainty and the need to evaluate the intentions of those around them mirror Alice's journey through Wonderland, where she must discern friend from foe.Both narratives also delve into the complexities of personal growth and emotional development. In Carroll's work, Alice goes through a series of trials and tribulations that challenge her perception of herself and others. Likewise, "Asterisk" focuses on Apollo's personal journey of grief, anger, and his search for closure and redemption. The characters' psychological growth and the lessons they learn along the way highlight the transformative power of their respective journeys.Ultimately, through the comparison of "Asterisk" with "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," we see how both narratives explore the themes of venturing into the unknown, encountering eccentric characters, the symbolism of water, the concept of trust, and personal growth. These similarities showcase the enduring appeal of stories that take us on imaginative journeys and challenge our perceptions of reality. Whether it be through a whimsical rabbit hole or a boat ride on a river, both narratives invite us to reflect on the profound capacity for change and self-discovery that lies within us all.