As this poem is to some extent connected with the lay of the Jabberwock, let me take this opportunity of answering a question that has often been asked me, how to pronounce 'slithy toves.' The 'i' in 'slithy' is long, as in 'writhe'; and 'toves' is pronounced so as to rhyme with 'groves.' Again, the first 'o' in 'borogoves' is pronounced like the 'o' in 'borrow.' I have heard people try to give it the sound of the 'o' in 'worry.' Such is Human Perversity.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author explains pronunciation rules while complaining about human stubbornness in following them.
- In plain terms
- Follow the rules for speaking, but people often ignore them.
- What can you take from it?
- Language rules exist but people break them.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you follow language rules?
- Why do people resist corrections?
Another view
It relies on specific context about a fictional poem.
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