The Phenomenology of Deep Surprise in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland thesis

The main points of the thesis include:

A deep surprise 'commands our attention, mobilizes our enthusiasm and refuses to be filed away and forgotten as a small spike in the standard algorithm.'

Did the things Alice underwent in Wonderland change her?

The White Rabbit at first does not constitute a deep surprise; that only happens which it looks at its watch and starts talking.

The tea party is something that would have been normal to Alice at first but it goes differently than normal with the stoppage of time, a lack of etiquette and a very strange conversation.

Despite what is going on Alice remains 'demure, inquisitive and respectful.'

The 'deep surprise' on watching the White Rabbit is what leads Alice to follow it.

As she falls down the hole she pays close attention to the things on the walls and wonders what will happen next. (Fortunately her falling speed is slow.)

The long hall with the doors is something close to what she might already be familiar with in 'above ground' buildings.

Her size changes are at first frightening to her but she learns to control them to her advantage.

She proves she has a great ability to adapt to changing situations.

In the court trial Alice takes the approach of reason no matter what the others say. She is becoming more mature, responsible and aggressive when necessary.

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