Hope you enjoy this episode, Fam! Next week’s episode will be the last one (for awhile 👀) so make sure to mark your calendars! In the meantime don’t forget to SMASH that like button! 😁
This episode was incredibly delightful Jon! Looking forward to you covering the last bit of the story in the last episode. Pleaee keep up the good work!
"Why is a raven like a writing desk? They both need feathers to take flight." Raven, feathers for literal flight. Writing desk, a feather quill for flights of fancy.
Actually, in Carroll's "acceptable answer", it's "nevar"...."and are 'nevar' put the wrong end in front". (the first edition to include it "corrected it" to "never", but one of Carroll's people told them "it wasn't a typo" and they changed it back in subsequent publishings.) I found one solution that said it's both an answer and a *clue* to the *true* answer. Even for Carroll "put the wrong end in front" is a rather awkward phrase.....for basically "backwards"... something which is 'nevar' (n-e-v-a-r) backwards is r-a-v-e-n....something which is not backwards is (by definition) forwards.... So...Why is a raven like a writing desk? Because a raven is nevar backwards and a writing desk is always for words.
Lewis Carroll’s answer to the riddle about a raven being like a writing desk, spelled the word “never” as “nevar”, which is raven spelled backwards. Thus, his answer makes more sense.
I can't take credit, but a top commenter here points out that with this spelling ("nevar"), the riddle can be appropriately answered thusly: "Because a raven is nevar backwards, and a writing desk is always for words."
To the riddle why is a Raven like a Writing Desk? My own personal answer is they both have Quills. As for a time a bird quill was used as a pen to write with.
Same. I thought the riddle was supposed to be straight-forward, and logical. To get this answer, you'd have to think of the era, as well as a similarity, in terms of classification. In my opinion, legitimate riddles are lock-and-key, like puzzles. If the correct answer doesn't fit logically, then the riddle is flawed. -- not to sound pompous, or anything.
Wow! Great answer! Ladies and gentelmen, the award goes to... archonfett! Congratulations! You can claim your price - a free ride on the Cheshire Cat - any time, apart from months that have 30 or 31 days, never on a weekend and certainly not on a day that ends with 'y'. OK, that settles it. Enjoy the ride."
I actually have “why is a raven like a writing desk?” Tattooed on my arm and have been asked about a million times what it means, almost every time I say I don’t know and have to tell them it’s a quote from Alice in wonderland. Makes me feel like no one has ever seen the movie or read the book.
I’m drinking tea rn that on the tag says “say what you mean, mean what you say” as the little inspirational quote. I nearly spit it out when you said that line because the synchronicity was too weird 👀
Oh, so THAT'S why the Mock Turtle was a cow/turtle hybrid! I knew there was something odd about that illustration, but didn't think much of it, considering the book it's a part of.
“It was long after Alice had enough disrespect from these two degenerates...those two freaks” haha I rewinded it a few times because it was hilarious to hear you say it so casually.
The reason why I am so obsessed with Alice In Wonderland is that it's such a bizarre story that even if I read it for whole my life, I would still fail to truly understand it, I mean, I know the story, but you know, I still haven't at this age and I probably won't, ever. It's so unique & fascinating, just like my dreams, so vivid, weird & interesting that's impossible to explain or I'll sound stupid if I did.
"In an earlier rendition, the mallets were ostriches instead of flamingos which would have been considerably harder to play with so I get why he changed it." There's just so delightfully insane about this statement, it's sound, logical and yet still completely bonkers. "Flamingo" is the a funnier word, the ostrich is the funnier bird. It's a win either way.
When I was a kid, my mom and I got my little sister and I this story on tape to listen to on the way to the zoo. It was a condensed version of Alice In Wonderland. At the end there was a song. I forget the rest of the lyrics, but there was a verse that went "Where turtles go to school and think it's grand". At that time I was only familiar with the Disney version of Alice In Wonderland, and in this version they never talked about turtles either. But I wonder if that verse in the song was a reference to the Mock Turtle.
". . . with the March Hare and the Mad Hatter asking Alice questions that don't make sense and then interrupting her whenever she tries to speak." Sounds like how my high school students behave in class haha
My answer to the raven/writing desk riddle--they both have feathers. At least, I assume in Carrol's day they were still using quills and ink as writing utensils. Sure, the raven has more, but ultimately that's just a matter of a pinion.
@5:00 I remember a college professor of English literature had told the class about the hat makers being subjected to Mercury fumes thus causing the "mad as a Hatter" saying.
The Mock Turtle & Gryphon were in early drafts of Disney's adaptation and had a song or two composed for them before being cut. They are both included in Paramount's live action version of the combined Alice books (1933). Cary Grant is the Turtle, in fact. Their parody on education is continued in "Through the Looking-Glass" with the red & white chess queens. This is another great installment, Jon, the Mad Tea Party particularly well poured through.
Loved this video, your AiW series has been great so far but I feel like this is the best one yet! I knew some things already, like about the origins of The Mad Hatter and March Hare. I've even heard about the answer to the "Why is a raven like a writing desk?" riddle (Edgar Allen Poe wrote on both). But I didn't know about the deeper symbolism presented in the Queen Of Hearts and the Duchess' roles, plus the Mock Turtle had an interesting back story to say the least, lol. Anyway, I feel like I've learned a lot and can't wait for the final video!
Hey Jon Solo, at 6:05 I believe that "painting the roses red" from their white color, was a reference to the "War of The Roses." That war was between the British Yorkists (the white rose) and the British Lancastrians (the red rose). My Great Grandfather Henry Tudor AKA King Henry 7th united the red & white rose creating the Tudor red/white rose, when as a Lancastrian he married his Yorkist wife Elizabeth, thus uniting both houses of power in England.
I love how you just ignore the fact that Carol was tripping each and every one of the balls when he wrote this stuff. Like you're trying to apply logic to a drug fueled LSD adventure.
I found your review or story, quite intriquing. I read the book, but was quite puzzled by most of the puns and peculiar verses, so thank for this essay. Been enjoying reviews so far
I woke up and went on UA-cam a few minutes ago, then you post this video. Great timing. I watched the Disney version of this story as a kid and when I was about 16 I learned that my dad had all the Alice books so I gave them a read. I actually found the books to be more entertaining and interesting. The parts with the Mad tea party, mock turtle and the queen's croquet game, were my favorite parts. I loved the way the character's were designed, and learned a lot of things by searching the reasons they were designed the way they were. Mock Turtle soup being one of them. Can't wait for part 4.
You can get the Alice books for free now (they're public domain) as ebooks from Amazon or Google (also project Gutenberg and probably others) and, if you haven't checked it out, I highly recommend "The Annotated Alice" since it offers great explanations and information on every aspect of Alice
I love these videos because they're phenomenal and, also, I have a man crush on Jon Solo. Sometimes I don't hear what he's saying because I'm lost in his well-lit eyes. It's mashugana how pretty he is.
Love your videos so much! I appreciate your dedication, professionalism, and talent of storytelling so much I had to sign up for your Patreon! I hope to eventually be able to support you more🙌🏼
What you said about the necessity of aggression in children’s books is a very good point and I agree! Because they’re now censoring so much things in children stuff which is now making everyone so soft and sensitive!!
I agree it is pretty odd the Disney film didn't say anything about the executions not really happening! Also absolutely love How Dodgson leaves the morals out of his story and even mocks the fad in question!
It's the price of the hat. 10 shillings and a sixpence. The Mad Hatter is mentioned in the book to be a hat salesman and the hat he wears is actually for sale itself. So it's kinda a form of advertising, I guess you could say?
Every time I watched your videos - I always wish it'll be longer [LOL] even though the editing part for this length is a lot already. Thank you for such great content, Jon!!
I agree with Carol that he says that Children's Literature is so sensitive, compared to today's children's literature and media. How these stories are meant to teach kids life lessons of what to expect in the real world, and are water downed versions of their former selves.
Hope you enjoy this episode, Fam! Next week’s episode will be the last one (for awhile 👀) so make sure to mark your calendars! In the meantime don’t forget to SMASH that like button! 😁
Your videos make my day I hope your day and week will be amazing you're awesome! Get a good rest!
Love the Disney shirts that you've been wearing throughout this my favorites the Mickey
This episode was incredibly delightful Jon! Looking forward to you covering the last bit of the story in the last episode.
Pleaee keep up the good work!
hey jon, did you know the disney griffin and the mock turtle appeared in a jello ad
Hey Jon, did you know in the Disney film, they had a scene with the mock turtle and Griffin but later took it out cuz it made the movie too long.
"And then Alice had to pop over to the burn unit because that was savage" 🤣😂🤣
waiT bUT WHEn Is that???????
Too freaking true
😂🤣😂🤣
that was one of my favorite things he said in this video
bye the way he said alice had to pop over to the burn victomes unit not burn unit just saying not trying to be mean or anything
Happy Unbirthday Everyone ✨🎉🎊
Courtney October Happy unbirthday to you!
Yesterday was my friends birthday so i told everyone one else happy unbirthday
You do realize that it’s your unbirthday too....
Happy unbirthday!! Time to uncelebrate!!!!!
To _ME?_
"Why is a raven like a writing desk? They both need feathers to take flight." Raven, feathers for literal flight. Writing desk, a feather quill for flights of fancy.
I had a similar answer.
good job you solved the riddle
That's terrific!! I've wondered that my whole life! I am terrible at riddles. They have always made me agitated... Idk why
They also both stand on sticks :))
Because Poe wrote on both. That's always been my answer.
Actually, in Carroll's "acceptable answer", it's "nevar"...."and are 'nevar' put the wrong end in front". (the first edition to include it "corrected it" to "never", but one of Carroll's people told them "it wasn't a typo" and they changed it back in subsequent publishings.)
I found one solution that said it's both an answer and a *clue* to the *true* answer.
Even for Carroll "put the wrong end in front" is a rather awkward phrase.....for basically "backwards"...
something which is 'nevar' (n-e-v-a-r) backwards is r-a-v-e-n....something which is not backwards is (by definition) forwards....
So...Why is a raven like a writing desk?
Because a raven is nevar backwards and a writing desk is always for words.
Haha this is great!
I thought that suitable answer was off. Amazing!
There are unlimited answers for the question
oh shit, that's awesome, ty!
Niiiiiiccccceeee 😁
The music at the start just gives you the vibe that you're in to learn something! I really like it.
Same!
Honestly 😫❤
Alice has never really caught my attention but the way you put it makes me want to read the book.
Did u ever read it?
Did u ever read it?
I’m reading the book now, and so far it’s a real treat
I can tell you 1 thing that’s not messed up.... your timing
I was just watching part 2 a few mins ago
Love your profile picture
Sabrina Assanulhaq
Thanks, I thought it was cool too
You'll float down here alice
*We all float down here....*
No this is patrick nice patrick
Lol wrong quote!
😂😂😂😂
Pennywise, How did you get out of your sewer?
AND YOU'LL FLOAT, TOO!
Lewis Carroll’s answer to the riddle about a raven being like a writing desk, spelled the word “never” as “nevar”, which is raven spelled backwards. Thus, his answer makes more sense.
Well, the "elite's" do like spelling & generally living backwards compared to us "average person's".
ehh, still wouldn't say it makes more sense
"Wrote the Raven - Nevarmore!"
I can't take credit, but a top commenter here points out that with this spelling ("nevar"), the riddle can be appropriately answered thusly:
"Because a raven is nevar backwards, and a writing desk is always for words."
@@jaerivus omg yes now it makes sence
Yes! thank you Jon!
Why did you dislike your own videos? 0:25
idov shai ¯\_ (ツ) _/¯
Haha that’s hilarious. It’s nonsensical just like this story. Is that the very merry un-moral?
Attention whoring? Lol
@@JonSolo it's okay I hate myself too! :D
@@JonSolo What does that mean?
I like that the king had a bit more of a point to be there than in the Disney movie, and that the other suits are mentioned.
To the riddle why is a Raven like a Writing Desk? My own personal answer is they both have Quills. As for a time a bird quill was used as a pen to write with.
Same. I thought the riddle was supposed to be straight-forward, and logical. To get this answer, you'd have to think of the era, as well as a similarity, in terms of classification. In my opinion, legitimate riddles are lock-and-key, like puzzles. If the correct answer doesn't fit logically, then the riddle is flawed. -- not to sound pompous, or anything.
While normally I agree the answer to a riddle should make sense, why would it in wonderland where almost nothing makes sense.
Wow! Great answer! Ladies and gentelmen, the award goes to... archonfett! Congratulations! You can claim your price - a free ride on the Cheshire Cat - any time, apart from months that have 30 or 31 days, never on a weekend and certainly not on a day that ends with 'y'. OK, that settles it. Enjoy the ride."
You have my respect thank you
I thought that too.
The way mock turtle told his story reminds me of Laura Lee's apology video
"Crying is something that young children, and myself, are known to do." 😂❤
The Mad Hatter -- *_Hatter's Gonna Hat The Competition_*
Tier: 10/4
Do you mean 10/6
What's the difference between 10/4 and 10/6 btw?
@@annabellthedoll9953 I think they r head sizes for hats
@@heydeanie Actually it was the price hats were sold 10 shillings and 6 pence.
@@moonwalkerangel7008 Oh cool!
I actually have “why is a raven like a writing desk?” Tattooed on my arm and have been asked about a million times what it means, almost every time I say I don’t know and have to tell them it’s a quote from Alice in wonderland. Makes me feel like no one has ever seen the movie or read the book.
If it makes u feel better, I would’ve got it had I seen it 😝
I’ve seen the movie but I was really little so I don’t remember it
I'd of gotten it lol .. most people r just lame
Lol bro you tried to sneak one pass me, posting this one early in the morning.
I’m drinking tea rn that on the tag says “say what you mean, mean what you say” as the little inspirational quote. I nearly spit it out when you said that line because the synchronicity was too weird 👀
I was gonna save this mini-series for binging but couldn't help myself, love the modern referencing and comparisons
Mini series! Not anymore!
Thanks Jon! Your dissection came right in time and saved my life, I'm studying this book at school
"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
I just thought they both had R's in them...
And I thought "but wait, desk doesn't have any Rs?" :)
I'm dumb sometimes
The answer he put up was mispelled but i will nevar tell. ~_^
They both come with inky quills. 🤔
I thought it was because they both have feathers (e.g. raven's have feathers and a desk has a quill pen.)
So that's where that riddle is from? Man, I thought it started with the Last Unicorn. The things I learn.
Best answer I've seen to the raven riddle:
They are both "nevar" facing backward.
I love the message on your SquareSpace:
_ruining childhoods, one story at a time_
*MESSED UP ORIGINS*
It is funny and true at the same time
I truly *adore* everything about your videos and how eloquent you are, very admirable, Jon. Proud to be a SoloFam ❤️
“Then Alice had to go over to the burn victims unit because that was savage” omg haha 😂
Jon, Please continue and do Alice through the looking glass. I love these.
while working on art commissions I love to hear people talk about stuff and man, thank you for having such a good voice and rhythm
Oh, so THAT'S why the Mock Turtle was a cow/turtle hybrid! I knew there was something odd about that illustration, but didn't think much of it, considering the book it's a part of.
“Then Alice has to pop over to the burnt unit bc that was savage” I lost it 😂😂😂😂the way he said it so causally 😂😭
Good morning John solo..hope you are doing well.. I hit that smash button..love your video
Smash button ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I love how you're so well spoken
while telling the stories, but throw in 'degenerate' and how she needs to go to the burn unit, so funny!
Mock Turtle Soup actually sounds like it would be pretty good. It's basically beef soup.
“It was long after Alice had enough disrespect from these two degenerates...those two freaks” haha I rewinded it a few times because it was hilarious to hear you say it so casually.
Your analytical series are so wonderful and insightful, so professional and enjoyable too! Fantastic work Jon, really excited for your future work!
I definitely agree to this comment! His lines spoken so casually make it funnier, as well as inside jokes. It makes this more intriguing :D
I like how you gave yourself a dislike at 0:23
Sherlock!!! Oh my goodness! Of course you noticed it!!
Lol
This whole thing is oddly entertaining
I noticed it too and was scrolling through the comments to see if anyone else saw lol
The first time I read “Alice in Wonderland” I remember reading that retort and thinking “Ohh, burn.”
Good to know it was shared.
“Sentient equipment” I don’t know why but I love those 2 words together.
The reason why I am so obsessed with Alice In Wonderland is that it's such a bizarre story that even if I read it for whole my life, I would still fail to truly understand it, I mean, I know the story, but you know, I still haven't at this age and I probably won't, ever.
It's so unique & fascinating, just like my dreams, so vivid, weird & interesting that's impossible to explain or I'll sound stupid if I did.
I'm supposed to be studying for an exam yet I came here. Totally worth it
1 year late but ME TO!😂
"In an earlier rendition, the mallets were ostriches instead of flamingos which would have been considerably harder to play with so I get why he changed it."
There's just so delightfully insane about this statement, it's sound, logical and yet still completely bonkers. "Flamingo" is the a funnier word, the ostrich is the funnier bird. It's a win either way.
How can anyone NOT hit the like button for Job's videos? Easy as pie and Jon has a way with words!
When I was a kid, my mom and I got my little sister and I this story on tape to listen to on the way to the zoo. It was a condensed version of Alice In Wonderland. At the end there was a song. I forget the rest of the lyrics, but there was a verse that went "Where turtles go to school and think it's grand". At that time I was only familiar with the Disney version of Alice In Wonderland, and in this version they never talked about turtles either. But I wonder if that verse in the song was a reference to the Mock Turtle.
Just uploaded and already 3 thumbs down? Must be a good one! Cant wait to watch
". . . with the March Hare and the Mad Hatter asking Alice questions that don't make sense and then interrupting her whenever she tries to speak."
Sounds like how my high school students behave in class haha
My answer to the raven/writing desk riddle--they both have feathers. At least, I assume in Carrol's day they were still using quills and ink as writing utensils. Sure, the raven has more, but ultimately that's just a matter of a pinion.
"How is a raven like a writing desk?" They're both full of quills (feathers)? 🤷♀️
I’m a history buff, so I love listening to what is behind these stories, etc.
“They never executes nobody, you know.” I’m gonna use this in everyday conversation.
@5:00 I remember a college professor of English literature had told the class about the hat makers being subjected to Mercury fumes thus causing the "mad as a Hatter" saying.
Yes! Love your videos, you explain everything very well and it's fun to listen to old stories that I thought I knew. Do jungle book next
Thank you! Already did Jungle Book though :)
The Mock Turtle & Gryphon were in early drafts of Disney's adaptation and had a song or two composed for them before being cut. They are both included in Paramount's live action version of the combined Alice books (1933). Cary Grant is the Turtle, in fact. Their parody on education is continued in "Through the Looking-Glass" with the red & white chess queens. This is another great installment, Jon, the Mad Tea Party particularly well poured through.
I was actually drinking tea when I was watching this
Loved this video, your AiW series has been great so far but I feel like this is the best one yet! I knew some things already, like about the origins of The Mad Hatter and March Hare. I've even heard about the answer to the "Why is a raven like a writing desk?" riddle (Edgar Allen Poe wrote on both). But I didn't know about the deeper symbolism presented in the Queen Of Hearts and the Duchess' roles, plus the Mock Turtle had an interesting back story to say the least, lol.
Anyway, I feel like I've learned a lot and can't wait for the final video!
Hey Jon Solo, at 6:05 I believe that "painting the roses red" from their white color, was a reference to the "War of The Roses." That war was between the British Yorkists (the white rose) and the British Lancastrians (the red rose). My Great Grandfather Henry Tudor AKA King Henry 7th united the red & white rose creating the Tudor red/white rose, when as a Lancastrian he married his Yorkist wife Elizabeth, thus uniting both houses of power in England.
Oh, I have the book from which the croquet picture is taken at 8:24!! It's a double sided book with Alice on one side, & Peter Pan on the other
The 1999 version of Alice in Wonderland with Tina Majorino is probably the closet version of the movie to Lewis Carroll's books.
The I'm mad, you're mad, everyone's mad bit was lifted and twisted for magenta's opening line in rocky horror.
I love how you just ignore the fact that Carol was tripping each and every one of the balls when he wrote this stuff. Like you're trying to apply logic to a drug fueled LSD adventure.
I found your review or story, quite intriquing. I read the book, but was quite puzzled by most of the puns and peculiar verses, so thank for this essay. Been enjoying reviews so far
Great morning start.
Right
I love you tell the stories. Its somehow so soothing .
I woke up and went on UA-cam a few minutes ago, then you post this video. Great timing. I watched the Disney version of this story as a kid and when I was about 16 I learned that my dad had all the Alice books so I gave them a read. I actually found the books to be more entertaining and interesting. The parts with the Mad tea party, mock turtle and the queen's croquet game, were my favorite parts. I loved the way the character's were designed, and learned a lot of things by searching the reasons they were designed the way they were. Mock Turtle soup being one of them. Can't wait for part 4.
You can get the Alice books for free now (they're public domain) as ebooks from Amazon or Google (also project Gutenberg and probably others) and, if you haven't checked it out, I highly recommend "The Annotated Alice" since it offers great explanations and information on every aspect of Alice
You are truly addicting; you fast talking, straight-talking dude.
I love these videos because they're phenomenal and, also, I have a man crush on Jon Solo. Sometimes I don't hear what he's saying because I'm lost in his well-lit eyes. It's mashugana how pretty he is.
Lmfao “lost in his well-lit eyes”
Love your videos so much! I appreciate your dedication, professionalism, and talent of storytelling so much I had to sign up for your Patreon! I hope to eventually be able to support you more🙌🏼
Amazing video! Thanks
What you said about the necessity of aggression in children’s books is a very good point and I agree! Because they’re now censoring so much things in children stuff which is now making everyone so soft and sensitive!!
Question: Why is a Raven like a writing desk? Answer: They both have legs! 😂😂😂😂
3:21
I always thought the answer was "Because they both have quills".
*WHOS BEEN PAINTING MY ROSES RED*
I've been binging on your excellent videos all afternoon.
😍😍 I love Alice in Wonderland.
I’m so glad I found this channel. It’s perfect for watching at work
Jon it’s 6:50 in the morning..
I agree it is pretty odd the Disney film didn't say anything about the executions not really happening! Also absolutely love How Dodgson leaves the morals out of his story and even mocks the fad in question!
Hey, what's the explanation about that "10/6" at the Hatter's hat?
It's the price of the hat. 10 shillings and a sixpence. The Mad Hatter is mentioned in the book to be a hat salesman and the hat he wears is actually for sale itself. So it's kinda a form of advertising, I guess you could say?
@@doommagic That's one messed up advertising, if your right. No wonder nobody buys from Mad Hatter.
@@kirbymarchbarcena Well, everyone is mad in Wonderland. Are you really surprised by that?
@@doommagic Being mad didn't answer the question.
@@kirbymarchbarcena No, but England at the time did.
I enjoyed it can't wait to hear the end I'm love hearing how messed up the story is and then seeing how Disney covered it up so well it's amazing
who else knew what "mad as a hatter" meant from TheOdd1sOut?
I waited an entire week for this video...
It was totally worth it.
0:24 why did he dislike his own video...
Am I the only one that sees it or am I just stupid/insane
I like how he so casually insults and the characters and roasts them and continues on like nothing has happened.
Omg yas new video 😍😍😍😍
Alice In Wonderland 😲😲😲😲
Every time I watched your videos - I always wish it'll be longer [LOL] even though the editing part for this length is a lot already. Thank you for such great content, Jon!!
Gene wilders mock turtle was the best
I thought I was alone thinking that. Gene Wilder was amazing as the Mock Turtle.
Jon Solo, you are amazing! Never stop making videos
1:36 skip sqaurespace
I love that whole they don't execute nobody line, this while help me a lot in the alice and wonderland retelling I'm planning on writing
It's my merry unbirthday 🥳🎉🎉🎉👏👏
Waiting all week for this video! Never been so excited about a messed up video
When I was a child I was so scared when I watch Alice in Wonderland cuz like wonderland is nonsense🙄😂
Just finished a huge project a uni, this was just what I needed to de-stress. Great episode, I love the stuff you do!
I'm loving this series💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
“You can only feel so bad for someone that annoying...” the phrase being thought and yelled by every sibling since the dawn of time.
Clicked so fast! Notification squad!
I always loved the detail that the king is running around pardoning everyone quietly after the queen orders their executions
I agree with Carol that he says that Children's Literature is so sensitive, compared to today's children's literature and media. How these stories are meant to teach kids life lessons of what to expect in the real world, and are water downed versions of their former selves.
0:26 i've seen youtubers like their videos, but ive never seen them dislike them, thanks for always making me laugh! :))
yesss right on time, love these vids...but why are there already dislikes? i swear people are haters lol
I NEVER miss any of your new videos John.