Jabberwocky
Lewis Carroll

1 'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

5 "Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"

He took his vorpal sword in hand:
10 Long time the manxome foe he sought,
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood a while in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
15 Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!

One two! One two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
20 He went galumphing back.

"And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
Oh frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!"
He chortled in his joy.

25 'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

Read the passage on the left to answer the following questions:

19)
What is the central conflict in “Jabberwocky”?
A) A boy finds and kills unknown creatures.
B) A boy expresses his fear of the unknown.
C) A father makes up silly and scary stories.
D) A father shares his terror of strange things.
20)
Which characteristics BEST describe the boy in stanza 3?
A) brave and patient
B) skilled and gifted
C) cruel and cowardly
D) silly and humorous
21)
How would the poem be different if it was told from the boy’s point of view?
A) It would offer readers an unbiased view of the action.
B) It would focus more on the boy’s thoughts and emotions.
C) It would provide more information about the Jabberwock.
D) It would allow readers to know all characters’ thoughts.
22)
What is the MOST LIKELY reason the author used gibberish, or nonsensical language, in this poem?
A) to confuse readers about what they’re reading
B) to set up a whimsical fantasy land for readers
C) to force readers to use their own imaginations
D) to create a realistic scene for readers to enjoy
23)
Which characteristic of the father had the MOST influence on the action of the plot?
A) anger
B) courage
C) fear
D) gratitude