Childhood Narcissism in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

 Kira Stallworth

Dr. Rampelli

ENGL-402-A

December 15, 2020

Childhood Narcissism

    Introduction

    When examining Victorian society through a modern day psychological lens, there is evidence of children falling victim to their embodiment of narcissism. According to the American Psychological Association, “in psychoanalytic theory, the earliest type of narcissism, in which the infant’s libido is directed towards his or her own body and its satisfaction rather than toward the environment or objects” (APA).

American Psychological Association.

This reveals that all children are inherently narcissistic beings and endure a narcissistic phase, which is valid in contemporary psychology. It is proven in DSM-5 that, “The essential feature of narcissistic personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy that begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts” (Diagnostic Features). Although psychoanalytic theory suggests that the narcissistic phase begins during childhood, it does not become a solidified disorder until adulthood is reached. Furthermore, if the children’s narcissism persists after their progression to adulthood, the narcissism phase transforms into a pathological personality disorder. In Lewis Carroll’s novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, he argues that children are born inherently narcissistic; Alice is a narcissistic protagonist that symbolizes and exemplifies the problematic and psychological nature of childhood narcissism through the lens of self-importance, entitlement, empathy, gaslighting, and self-esteem.

Alice and Self-Importance

    Throughout Carroll’s novella, Alice is constantly at fault for feeling the need to demonstrate her self-importance and intelligence. Regardless of the person Alice is attempting to impress, she always feels the need to validate herself to others. According to DSM-5, “Individuals with this disorder have a grandiose sense of self-importance (Criterion 1). They routinely overestimate their abilities and inflate their accomplishments, often appearing boastful and pretentious” (Diagnostic Features 670). 

Diagnostic Features 670.

This proves that people diagnosed with narcissism possess a desire to inflate themselves although it may seem arrogant. Alice is guilty of being egotistical over the course of her journey, which reveals her inherent childhood narcissism. Carroll states, “said Alice, who felt very glad to get an opportunity of showing off a little of her knowledge. “Just think what work it make with the day and night! You see the earth takes twenty-four hours, I think; or is it twelve? I⸺” (Carroll 46). Alice’s eagerness to present her knowledge to the Duchess proves that Alice possesses self-importance as a narcissistic trait. Over the course of the conversation Alice has with the Duchess, Alice waits the entire time to display her knowledge; therefore, her presentation of knowledge makes her feel validated and feel as though it proves her worth. During a conversation Alice has with the Mock Turtle, she tells the Mock Turtle, ““I’ve been to a day-school, too,” said Alice. “You needn’t be so proud as all that”” (Carroll 78). This boastful comment proves that Alice is validating herself by invalidating the Mock Turtle, which further reveals Alice’s childhood narcissism. Since Alice possesses this narcissistic trait she feels the need to be the most educated in her conversation with the Mock Turtle to prove her importance is the most outstanding; therefore, Alice’s superiority complex solidifies her entry into the childhood narcissistic phase.

Alice and Entitlement

    Over the course of the novella, Carroll successfully proves that Alice exemplifies entitlement and a lack of empathy in childhood narcissism. According to the DSM-5’s definition, “A sense of entitlement is evident in these individuals’ unreasonable expectation of especially favorable treatment (Criterion 5). They expect to be catered to and are puzzled or furious when this does not happen” (Diagnostic Features 670). This verifies that people diagnosed with narcissism are prone to exercise entitled beliefs and values that cater to their specific needs, which simultaneously disregards the needs of others. The DSM-5 also states that, “This sense of entitlement, combined with a lack of sensitivity to the wants and needs of others, may result in the conscious or unwitting exploitation of others (Criterion 6). They expect to be given whatever they want or feel they need, no matter what it might mean to others” (Diagnostic Features 670). This proves that narcissists are driven by their own desires although that also means displaying a lack of empathy for others. Since narcissists are hyper-focused on themselves, there is no opportunity for showing empathy to others or caring about the desires of other people; therefore, this narcissistic trait encourages selfish behavior and an undesirable personality. During the tea party, the Mad Hatter and March Hare say, ““No room! No room!” they cried out when they saw Alice coming. “There is plenty of room!” said Alice indignantly; and she sat down in the large arm-chair at one end of the table” (Carroll 53). By Alice inviting herself to the tea party, where she is not welcomed, she displays entitlement and a lack of empathy towards the Mad Hatter and March Hare. Although Alice is not invited nor welcome to the tea party, she inserts herself into the party to fit her own egotistical agenda; therefore, Alice exhibits the childhood narcissistic phase through her entitlement.

Alice and Empathy

    Alice joins the tea party to fulfill her own desires, which raises a conflict of interest between Alice’s desires and the desires of the Mad Hatter and March Hare; however, Alice exemplifies a lack of empathy by blatantly ignoring the desires of the other tea party members. Alice’s selfish actions further prove that, “Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder generally have a lack of empathy and have difficulty recognizing the desires, subjective experiences, and feelings of others” (Diagnostic Features 670). Alice also shows a lack of empathy for other characters in the novella such as the Duchess. During the Queen’s game, Alice states, ““I don’t think it’s all a pity. I said ‘What for?’” She boxed the Queen’s ears⸻” the Rabbit began. Alice gave a little scream of laughter” (Carroll 66). Alice’s lack of concern for the well being of the Duchess exemplifies a complete detachment to empathy and proves she truly only cares about herself; therefore, Alice’s lack of empathy is so strong she begins to symbolize the horrid traits of childhood narcissism. Although there is a high possibility that the Queen will order the Duchess to death, it strikes no fear or empathy to Alice. However, Alice’s attitude is much different when her own well being comes into question. Alice wonders, ““what would become of me? They’re dreadfully fond of beheading people here: the great wonder is, that there’s any one left alive”” (Carroll 68). Alice’s worries demonstrate that narcissistic people only care about their own well being whereas the well-being of others is expendable.

Alice and Gaslighting

As the plot continues to unfold, Alice’s thoughts and actions also make her guilty of gaslighting other characters in the novella. According to the American Psychological Association, gaslighting is, “to manipulate another person into doubting his or her perceptions, experiences, or understanding of events” (APA). 

American Psychological Association.

This proves that Alice’s use of psychological manipulation is not only gaslighting other characters, but exposing more of her traits as a childhood narcissist. According to the DSM-5, “Arrogant, haughty behaviors characterize these individuals; they often display snobbish, disdainful, or patronizing attitudes” (Diagnostic Features 671). This displays that narcissists give others around them a condescending attitude in order to elevate themselves; therefore, disdainful words result in exercising psychological manipulation. Alice asks the Footman, ““How am I to get in?” asked Alice again, in a louder tone. “Are you to get in at all?” said the Footman. “That’s the first question, you know”” (Carroll 44). Alice’s undesirable attitude that arises when she cannot get in proves that narcissists will resort to pressuring and criticizing others for their desires. However, the Footman is reluctant to allow Alice to enter because he does not trust her and has a fear of abandonment, which is common to shut out those unworthy of trust. Although the Footman does not trust Alice, she persists in pressuring him; furthermore, she is attempting to force the Footman to question his own sanity because she needs his trust for her own benefit. The DSM-5 also claims that narcissists, “may devalue the credentials of those who disappoint them” (Diagnostic Features 670). This reveals that narcissists will critique and give harsh judgements to those who go against their agenda. Alice claims, ““Oh, there’s no use in talking to him,” said Alice desperately: “he’s perfectly idiotic!” And she opened the door and went in” (Carroll 44). Alice’s condescending complaint displays that narcissists devalue the credentials of others in order to evaluate themselves, which also proves Alice gaslights the other characters to validate herself.

Alice and Self-Esteem

    Over the course of the novella, Alice shows the reader that narcissists’ self-esteem is vital to their pride. According to the DSM-5, “Vulnerability in self-esteem makes individuals with narcissistic personality disorder very sensitive to “injury” from criticism or defeat” (Diagnostic Features 671). 

Diagnostic Features 671.

This proves that the self-esteem of a narcissist is fragile because criticism will injure their pride and ego. Carroll illustrates the fragile nature of a childhood narcissists self-esteem through Alice’s reaction to criticism. Once Alice faces criticism at the tea party, she says ““At any rate I’ll never go there again!” said Alice, as picked her way through the wood. “It’s the stupidest tea-party I ever was at in all my life!” (Carroll 61). Alice’s vow to never return to the tea party further proves the claim in the DSM-5 that narcissists cannot handle criticism. Alice refuses to return to the tea party because she feels the need to protect her self-esteem from being shattered. The DSM-5 also states, “criticism may haunt these individuals and may leave them feeling humiliated, degraded, hollow, and empty. They may react with disdain, rage, or defiant counterattack. Such experiences often lead to social withdrawal or an appearance of humility that may mask and protect the grandiosity” (Diagnostic Features 671). This displays that criticism of narcissists is destructive to their self-esteem. Since criticism is such a damaging concept to narcissists, they tend to dissociate and distance themselves from those who criticize them. The Gryphon says, ““You ought to be ashamed of yourself for asking such a simple question,” added the Gryphon; and then they both sat silent and looked at poor Alice, who felt ready to sink into the earth” (Carroll 78). Alice’s embarrassment during this conversation exemplifies the damage that is done to a narcissist’s self-esteem, which means Alice cannot handle any type of criticism. The DSM-5 also claims, “Sustained feelings of shame or humiliation and the attendant self-criticism may be associated with social withdrawal, depressed mood, and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) or major depressive disorder (Diagnostic Features 671). This proves that criticism affects narcissists so deeply that they mentally respond to criticism with depression and dissociation. The narcissists would rather withdraw than face the brash reality of criticism. During the tea party, the Hatter tells Alice, ““Then you shouldn’t talk,” said the Hatter. This piece of rudeness was more than Alice could bear: she got up with great disgust, and walked off” (Carroll 60-61). Alice’s choice to socially withdraw from the tea party exemplifies the childhood narcissist dissociating after receiving criticism.

Conclusion

    Throughout Carroll’s novella, he argues that all children undergo a childhood narcissism phase; therefore, the protagonist, Alice, exemplifies childhood narcissism. Through his use of Alice, she exemplifies the narcissistic traits of self-importance, entitlement, empathy, gaslighting, and self-esteem. Over the course of the novella, Alice feels this dire urge to prove her self-importance to everyone. Alice also feels as though she is entitled to different things throughout the novella regardless of how others feel about her. Alice reveals to the reader that narcissists display a lack of empathy towards other people, which reflects on the selfish nature of a narcissist. Alice also resorts to gaslighting other characters in order to elevate herself in different situations. Alice also illustrates that self-esteem is such a fragile concept to narcissists that they refuse to take any sort of criticism. Throughout Carroll’s novella, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, he proves that all children experience a narcissist phase during childhood.