The Hunting of the Snark

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 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.


This poem provides examples of:

 

He would answer to "Hi!" or to any loud cry,

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,"
—And his enemies "Toasted-cheese."
 
 

The Bellman perceived that their spirits were low,

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,

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."