Monologue Portable: Cheshire Cat

A standard performance version of the monologue reads as follows:

"To begin, you'll need a few simple things. A cup of water, a cup of pulp - perhaps from old rags or wood chips - a bit of heat, and some patience, of course.

: The Cat famously tells Alice that if she doesn't care where she's going, then it "doesn't matter which way you go," emphasizing that any path will lead "somewhere" if she walks long enough. Defining "Madness" Cheshire Cat Monologue

Let me tell you a secret. If you don’t know where you’re going — any road will get you there. But if you do know where you’re going… well, that’s rather dull, don’t you think? The fun isn’t in arriving. The fun is in vanishing. Like me. Look — he starts to fade — now you see me… Now you don’t.

You may visit the Hatter if you like, or the March Hare. They are both quite mad, though it's May now, so the Hare shouldn't be quite as raving as he was in March. Just nearly. It makes no difference which way you walk when both roads lead to the same asylum. A standard performance version of the monologue reads

: Use the "anti-guidance" nature of the lines to your advantage. Instead of answering Alice, you are questioning the nature of her asking . Themes to Explore

"Now, now, little girl. Don’t look so distressed. You’re looking for the March Hare? Or the Hatter? It doesn't really matter, does it? In that direction lives a Hatter; and in that direction, lives a March Hare. Visit either you like: they’re both mad. Defining "Madness" Let me tell you a secret

Lock eyes with the audience or an imaginary Alice. The Cat looks through people, seeing their internal chaos and enjoying it.