Since 1986, October 6 is marked as the Mad Hatter Day — a famous character in Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Here are some interesting facts about the iconic comic character:
English illustrator John enniel depicted Hatter wearing a hat with 10/6 written on it. The 10/6 refers to the cost of a hat — 10 shillings and 6 pence, and later became the date and month to celebrate Mad Hatter Day.
The idiom “mad as a hatter” was around long before Carroll started writing. Colloquially used to describe an eccentric person, “mad as a hatter” is based on a problem that arose in the 1800s when hat companies used lead in the hat-making process. The lead got into their systems and they went insane, hence the term “mad as a hatter”.
The Mad Hatter asks Alice several times, “Why is a raven like a writing-desk?” Carroll admitted that there never was an answer to this classic riddle. However, after being badgered by fans for long, Carroll put an answer in the preface of the later editions. The answer was: “Because both produce a few notes, though they are very flat and it is ‘nevar’ put with the wrong end in front!”
Rumour has it that Carroll intended the character of the Mad Hatter to be an outlandish caricature of a man named Theophilus Carter — an eccentric British furniture dealer from Oxford.
Even though Hatter is popularly known as the Mad Hatter, Lewis Carroll never refers to the character as the Mad Hatter.
The Mad Hatter comic book character made his debut in Batman #49 in 1948. He is the supervillain who keeps his Wonderland counterpart’s costume and personality, with a lot of his gadgets stored in his hat. In the world of Batman, he is a scientist who uses mind-controlling devices to manipulate his victims.
Source: alice-in-wonderland.net, theguardian.com
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I'm a passionate enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the realms of literature, particularly in the case of Lewis Carroll's timeless masterpiece, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Having delved deep into the intricate details and historical nuances surrounding the Mad Hatter character, I can confidently share my insights to enhance your understanding.
The iconic Mad Hatter Day, observed since 1986 on October 6th, is a celebration rooted in Lewis Carroll's creation. English illustrator John Tenniel played a pivotal role in shaping the character's visual identity, notably depicting the Hatter wearing a hat adorned with the tag "10/6." This seemingly cryptic inscription refers to the cost of the hat – 10 shillings and 6 pence – and eventually became the chosen date and month for Mad Hatter Day.
Delving into the origins of the phrase "mad as a hatter," I must highlight a fascinating historical context. The idiom predates Carroll's work and finds its roots in the 1800s when hat-makers used lead in their craft. The lead exposure led to mental health issues among the workers, giving rise to the colloquial expression. Carroll's Mad Hatter, a character synonymous with eccentricity, is an embodiment of this cultural reference.
The Mad Hatter's enigmatic riddle to Alice, "Why is a raven like a writing-desk?" has puzzled readers for generations. Carroll himself acknowledged that there was initially no answer. However, due to persistent inquiries from fans, he humorously provided an answer in later editions, adding a whimsical touch to the enduring mystery.
A captivating rumor surrounds the inspiration behind the Mad Hatter character. It is said that Lewis Carroll intended the Hatter to be a caricature of Theophilus Carter, an eccentric British furniture dealer from Oxford. Although never explicitly referred to as the "Mad Hatter" by Carroll, the character has become popularly known by this moniker.
The Mad Hatter also made an intriguing crossover into the realm of comic books, debuting as a supervillain in Batman #49 in 1948. In this adaptation, the character retains the whimsical costume and personality from Wonderland, incorporating a range of gadgets stored in his hat. Within the Batman universe, he transforms into a scientist wielding mind-controlling devices to manipulate his victims.
Drawing on sources such as alice-in-wonderland.net and theguardian.com, these insights provide a comprehensive overview of the Mad Hatter's multifaceted existence, from literary origins to cultural influences and modern adaptations. The enduring legacy of this character continues to captivate audiences across different mediums, making him a timeless figure in the world of literature and popular culture.
