Monster-of-the-Week: …this week let’s honor the frumious Bandersnatch,
another creature mentioned in Lewis Carroll’s classic. John Tenniel didn’t do
one of his marvelous illustrations of the Bandersnatch, alas, but here’s how
the 2010 film depicted it…
And here’s an example of the creature’s frumious mayhem, described in Lewis Carroll’s later work “The Hunting of the Snark”:
But while he was seeking with thimbles and care,
A Bandersnatch swiftly drew nigh
And grabbed at the Banker, who shrieked in despair,
For he knew it was useless to fly.
He offered large discount—he offered a cheque
(Drawn "to bearer") for seven-pounds-ten:
But the Bandersnatch merely extended its neck
And grabbed at the Banker again.
Without rest or pause—while those frumious jaws
Went savagely snapping around—
He skipped and he hopped, and he floundered and flopped,
Till fainting he fell to the ground.
The Bandersnatch fled as the others appeared
Led on by that fear-stricken yell:
And the Bellman remarked "It is just as I feared!"
And solemnly tolled on his bell…
