“Some minds are merely open. Mine’s been redecorated and fitted with a trapdoor.” — The Mad Hatter, probably
🧠 Meme Breakdown
The caption reads: “Some minds are merely open. Mine’s been redecorated and fitted with a trapdoor.”
This line plays on the trope of the “open-minded eccentric,” escalating it into absurd brilliance. The Hatter isn’t just quirky—his mind is a booby-trapped labyrinth of ideas. The “trapdoor” metaphor suggests sudden shifts in logic, unexpected insights, or chaotic brilliance. It’s a nod to the unpredictable nature of creativity, especially in steampunk and Wonderland-style narratives where logic bends and reality warps.
The illustration features a black-and-white, hand-drawn style reminiscent of Victorian-era etchings or woodcuts, set against a sepia-toned background. The central figure is a stern-looking man with a large, handlebar moustache, dressed in a long, high-collared coat cinched with a belt. He has a complex, steampunk-style mechanical arm, complete with gears and articulated fingers, on his left side. He is wearing large, industrial-looking headphones connected by a series of pipes and wires that run down his back. A circular mechanical device with a gear and a pressure gauge is attached to the front of his coat.
The background is a chaotic and industrialised cityscape with numerous factory smokestacks and a thick plume of smoke filling the sky. There are also flames and smoke rising from a few buildings, giving the impression of a disaster or a very polluted atmosphere.
The text at the bottom, in a bold, capitalised font, reads “REALITY CALLED. I PUT IT ON HOLD.”
The meaning of the meme is to humorously express a refusal to deal with the problems or responsibilities of daily life. The steampunk aesthetic and the man’s stoic demeanour contrast with the chaotic background, suggesting that he is deliberately ignoring or shutting out the messy, overwhelming reality around him. The addition of the post caption “Your call is important to us. Please hold while we reroute your reality through several unstable dimensions” further emphasises this idea, treating the concept of “reality” like an unwanted phone call that is being deliberately delayed and complicated.
“I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.”
— Alice, in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
The image was lovingly hallucinated by AI in the style of Sir John Tenniel. It shows a smaller Alice talking to the caterpillar that is sitting on a mushroom, smoking his hookah pipe.
No caterpillars were harmed in the making of this meme.
This meme draws its inspiration from a famous quote by Alice in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland** by Lewis Carroll, which reflects on the theme of personal growth and change. The quote, “I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then,” highlights the idea that with each day, we evolve due to our experiences and choices. It resonates with many people who feel they can never return to past versions of themselves.
The visual component of the meme features a smaller Alice interacting with a caterpillar that is perched on a mushroom, smoking a hookah pipe, an image reminiscent of the whimsical and nonsensical nature of Wonderland. This scene is drawn in the style of Sir John Tenniel, the original illustrator of the book, which adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity for fans of the story.
The caterpillar symbolises transformation, as it is often seen as a metaphor for change and growth, mirroring Alice’s own journey throughout Wonderland. The hookah pipe adds a surreal, almost psychedelic touch, connecting it to themes of exploration and self-discovery.
The playful disclaimer, “No caterpillars were harmed in the making of this meme,” injects a humorous tone, implying a lighthearted approach to the often deep themes presented in the story.
Overall, this meme combines a thought-provoking quote with a whimsical visual, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own transformations and the importance of embracing change, all while enjoying a playful take on a beloved classic.
