Alice in Wonderland game (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CROQUET
Understanding the clue
- The beloved lawn game featured in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is croquet, a seven-letter word that perfectly fits this crossword clue.
- In the famous tea party chapter, Alice encounters the Queen of Hearts' bizarre version of this traditional game, where flamingos serve as mallets and hedgehogs become the balls.
Why Croquet Matters in the Story
- Carroll chose croquet deliberately as a symbol of Victorian social games and the arbitrary rules of adult society.
- The chaotic nature of the Wonderland croquet match reflects Alice's confusion with the illogical world she's navigating.
- The game becomes impossible to play fairly, much like Alice finds it impossible to understand the nonsensical rules governing Wonderland.
- This scene showcases Carroll's satirical commentary on rigid social structures and the absurdity of authority figures who change rules to suit their whims.
Tips for Solving Alice in Wonderland Crossword Clues
- Know Your Classic Literature: Alice in Wonderland references appear frequently in crosswords. Familiarize yourself with major characters (Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, March Hare), locations (tea party, rabbit hole), and events (croquet game, trial scene).
- Seven Letters = Strong Signal: When you see a seven-letter requirement with "Alice" or "Wonderland" mentioned alongside words like "game" or "sport," CROQUET should immediately come to mind.
- Look for Animal Clues: References to flamingos or hedgehogs in connection with Alice or games are dead giveaways for CROQUET. These unusual equipment choices make the scene memorable and distinctive.
- Context Matters: If the clue mentions the Queen of Hearts, royal grounds, or Victorian lawn activities, think CROQUET before other possibilities.
- Cross-Reference Your Letters: If you've already filled in intersecting answers, use those letters to confirm. The Q in CROQUET is particularly distinctive and can help lock in the answer.
Alice in Wonderland game (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is CROQUET the answer and not another game?
Croquet is the only seven-letter game specifically featured in Alice in Wonderland. The scene is one of the most famous passages in the book, making it a popular crossword reference.
Q: What chapter does the croquet game appear in?
The croquet game appears in Chapter 8, "The Queen's Croquet-Ground," of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
Q: Are there other Alice in Wonderland games that appear in crosswords?
Yes, but croquet is by far the most common. Chess appears in "Through the Looking-Glass" and might show up as a different answer for related clues.
Q: How do I know if the clue wants CROQUET specifically?
Check the letter count (7 letters) and look for keywords like "game," "sport," "lawn game," or references to flamingos, hedgehogs, or the Queen of Hearts.
Q: Is this clue common in crossword puzzles?
Moderately common. The Alice in Wonderland croquet scene is culturally iconic, making it fair game for constructors at all difficulty levels.
