Wonderland 2022

3. Rebellion

3. "Rebellion" – In relation to the challenge above, a most ridiculous and unjust verdict has been given to you (or character), what rebellious action is carried out in retaliation? (blog entry or short story <1000 words)
“Off with their heads!”


“Rule 42 is now in effect in the town of Wonderland. Anyone touching the ceiling of a home or business by virtue of being too tall will be dealt with by the Queen. So let it be written, so let it be done,” announced the town crier as he posted Rule 42 on the light post at the corner of Southside Way and Rambling Lane.

“What exactly will be done if I touch my ceiling?” inquired John Wickham, who had listened to the ruling in the City Council meeting, of the town crier. The town crier didn’t answer. He continued down the streets, posting the ruling.

The very tall girl and the Cheshire Cat stood at the light post to read the posted ruling. The very tall girl was too tall, so the Cheshire Cat who sat on her shoulder had to read for her.

“It states that anyone whose head touches the ceiling of any building will be punished by the Queen.”

The very tall girl looked puzzled. “What punishment will there be?”

“It’s a harsh rule. You won’t like the answer.”

“How bad could it be? Please tell me, cat.” The very tall girl waited for the answer.

“It says ‘Off with their heads!’ is the edict of the Queen.”

“Oh my, that is worrisome.” The very tall girl began to shrink from fear.

As she shrunk, the Cheshire Cat jumped out of her arms and leapt into a nearby tree. He gave her his famous grin, then said, “We’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.”

Suddenly walking down the lane came John Wickham. He stopped at the base of the tree. The very tall girl was now very small indeed.

"Hello there, I remember you. You were at the City Council meeting. But you've changed somehow. And now I remember that you are Alice in Wonderland. Pray tell, why are you so small?"

"The Cheshire Cat read Rule 42 to me. The fright of the ruling caused me to shrink."

"Quite curious. I've never known anyone to grow smaller."

The Cheshire Cat again stated, "We’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.”

John Wickham and Alice in Wonderland stared at the Cheshire Cat.

Alice stated, "I have been through some changes during my time here in the kingdom."

"We must go talk to the Queen. We must make her aware of the severity of her ruling. It has caused you to shrink in fear, has caused that cat to sit in a tree talking madness, and makes me afraid for my entire family of tallness."

"But what of her statement, 'Off with their heads'? I rather like my head. I don't wish for it to disappear."

"Take my hand, Alice in Wonderland. Let us together go to the Queen. We will stop at my straw hut on the way to the castle. My family waits for me there."

So hand in hand Alice in Wonderland and John Wickham journeyed back to Southside Way. The Cheshire Cat sat on John Wickham's shoulders. When they reached John Wickham's straw hut, his family came out to greet them.

"Kind family, I have found Alice in Wonderland and her Cheshire Cat. We are now going to the palace to talk to the Queen regarding Rule 42."

John Wickham's family was exceedingly tall, just as he had said. They joined John and Alice and the Cat on their journey. Alice now rode on the shoulders of John Wickham's wife. Along their walk to the castle, others of the kingdom joined them. Soon the walk had many wanting to talk to the Queen about her ruling.

In the kingdom, it was not unusual for inhabitants to be persons of tallness. This started many generations ago when they had to pick apple trees. They had no ladders, so they found the ability to grow taller to pick the fruit. But once they grew taller, they couldn't grow shorter. This story is what they wanted to tell the Queen.


After their meeting with the Queen, who was actually quite gracious, the Queen decided that Rule 42 was indeed unlawful. She told all in attendance that she would rescind the Rule, effective immediately. But, in return, John Wickham was to return Alice in Wonderland to wherever she came from. She and that flea-bitten cat as well.




W/C 787