Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

Chapter 10 is a continuation of Chapter 9, as the Mock Turtle and the Gryphon tell Alice about the dance they used to perform. They dance in a circle and sing a mournful tune. The chapter features more puns and nonsense recitations, but it does not add to the plot or introduce new themes or characters. The chapter ends when someone yells “The trial is starting!” (145). The Gryphon takes Alice back to the Queen’s garden to see the trial while the Mock Turtle continues singing his sad song.

The King of Hearts presides over a trial in which the Knave of Hearts is accused of stealing the Queen’s tarts. The tarts are laid out on a long table in front of the Knave. The jury is composed of birds and animals, and they are writing nonsense on their slates, which are intended for notetaking.

The court calls the Hatter as a witness, but his evidence is a jumble of confused statements about having his tea. Meanwhile, Alice has started growing again, angering the Dormouse who is sitting next to her.

The Hatter scurries away, and the Duchess’s cook is called as the next witness.