The Hidden Connections Between Alice In Borderland and Alice In Wonderland

Adaptations are a captivating way to retell a classic story and create something completely unique. With fairy tale retellings being especially popular, Alice in Borderland takes the familiar story of Alice in Wonderland and transforms it into a fresh and compelling dystopian narrative. While staying true to Lewis Carroll's original work, the show incorporates new plot points and characters to create a story that stands on its own while still being recognizable to fans of the original.

What Is Alice In Borderland About?

Arisu and his friends find themselves transported to an alternate version of Tokyo, known as Borderland, where they are required to participate in violent and deadly games in order to increase their "visa" which determines how long they have left to live. The games are diverse in nature and difficulty, each assigned a playing card that indicates its level of challenge. Alongside a group of new acquaintances, Arisu must fight for survival while attempting to unravel the mystery behind their arrival in this world.

Which Alice In Wonderland Characters Are Referenced?

Alice in Borderland brings the story of Alice in Wonderland to life by incorporating many of the well-known characters from the original tale. The vibrant and eccentric personalities of the Wonderland characters are reflected in the show, with Arisu as the main character, whose name is a Japanese rendition of Alice. Usagi, on the other hand, is similar to the White Rabbit and often leads Arisu on a chase, just like in the classic story.

Some characters in the story have names that suggest their origins, like Hatter, who represents The Mad Hatter, or the Queen of Hearts, who symbolizes the Red Queen. The Queen's love for croquet in the original story is referenced in the game played by the characters. Chishiya, representing the Cheshire Cat, is as mysterious and cunning as the feline himself, and it's hard to determine his loyalties at first. Kuina, like the Caterpillar, undergoes a metamorphosis, as shown through her transition, and is often seen with an unlit cigarette in her mouth, reminiscent of the Caterpillar's hookah. An wears white and is the voice of logic and reason, embodying the white queen. The Last Boss is the Jabberwocky, the terrifying creature that must be defeated.

How Does Alice In Borderland Adapt The Plot of Alice In Wonderland?

Beyond the basic premise of being transported to a new world where things are strange, Alice in Borderland draws inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, with similarities in plot points and themes. The main character's journey in "Wonderland" and the Borderland is all in their head, with the empty building serving as the rabbit hole that leads them to Borderland. While playing cards play a large role in both stories, they take on different meanings in Alice in Borderland, signifying the difficulty of the games and becoming an object of desire for those at the Beach, who believe that collecting them all will set them free from Borderland.

Both Alice and Arisu were often criticized for being too caught up in their own imaginations, but their journeys through Wonderland and Borderland taught them valuable lessons about themselves and the world around them. They returned to their real lives with a newfound passion for adventure and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of life. Although time functions differently in both Wonderland and Borderland, the impact of their experiences lingered long after they returned home. While Borderland represented the boundary between life and death, Wonderland was a dreamland that Alice explored while sleeping, unlike Arisu who journeyed through Borderland while in a coma.