Origin of the Phrase The phrase "as mad as a hatter" refers to the 19th century usage of a mercury-based compound in the making of fine hats. Due to long-term exposure, hatters would often develop symptoms of mercury poison, such as tremors or mood-swings, that would make them appear "mad" to others.

How did the Mad Hatter become mad?

The phrase “mad as a hatter” actually comes from Mad Hatter disease, better known as mercury poisoning. In the 19^th century, fur treated with mercury was used to make felt hats. Hatters were confined in small spaces and breathed toxic mercury fumes, resulting in “mad” or irrational behavior.

What is the Mad Hatter's backstory?

Resemblance to Theophilus Carter

It has often been claimed that the Hatter's character may have been inspired by Theophilus Carter, an eccentric furniture dealer. Carter was supposedly at one time a servitor at Christ Church, one of the University of Oxford's colleges.

How did the Mad Hatter get its name?

Many believe that the Mad Hatter from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass was so named because of the mental illness that afflicted many hatters in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

How did the Mad Hatter go mad in Alice in Wonderland?

'Mad as a hatter' probably owes its origin to the fact that hatters actually did go mad, because the mercury they used sometimes gave them mercury poisoning. Carroll may have asked Tenniel to draw the Mad Hatter to resemble Theophilus Carter, a furniture dealer near Oxford.

Mad Hatters - What really made them Mad? | History Documentary

Why is Mad Hatter obsessed with Alice?

Instead, he's embraced his persona as the Mad Hatter and may see Alice as both a source of affection and the chance to escape his reality by creating a Wonderland of his own. With Alice at his side, it would confirm the life he made was nothing like the reality he nurtured.

What is the Mad Hatter's disease?

a condition caused by chronic mercury poisoning and characterized by changes in mental status, emotional disturbance, gastrointestinal disturbances, and weakness or partial paralysis of the legs. The condition may also cause psychosis, behavioral changes, erethism, and several other symptoms.

What does the 10 6 on the Mad Hatter's hat mean?

English illustrator John enniel depicted Hatter wearing a hat with 10/6 written on it. The 10/6 refers to the cost of a hat — 10 shillings and 6 pence, and later became the date and month to celebrate Mad Hatter Day. The idiom “mad as a hatter” was around long before Carroll started writing.

Did Mad Hatter have a crush on Alice?

Which all of we know that, Mad Hatter is in love with Alice. In the movie itself, there is no real reference to their relationships, but if you look at the original script, you see that he kisses her twice, and that her eyes light up whenever she looks at him.

What is the real name of the Mad Hatter?

Tarrant Hightopp, also known as The Mad Hatter, is a fictional character in the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland and its 2016 sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass, based upon the original character from Lewis Carroll's Alice novels. He is portrayed by actor Johnny Depp.

Who is the Mad Hatter in love with?

He tries to convince her to stay in wonderland,but fails. There is a lot of emotion in the words "Fairfarren, Alice," and she gives him a surprised look. In the original script, The Hatter kissed Alice twice: At the end of his dance, the Hatter grabs Alice and kisses her passionately.

What does the Cheshire Cat represent?

The Cheshire Cat is sometimes interpreted as a guiding spirit for Alice, as it is he who directs her toward the March Hare's house and the mad tea party, which eventually leads her to her final destination, the garden.

Why is the Mad Hatter's hair orange?

It was coming out through his hair and through his fingernails, through his eyes.” In the new movie, Depp's Hatter has flamboyantly red hair. This presumably reflects the character's chronic exposure to an orange-colored solution containing mercuric nitrate that was used in a process called “carroting.”

Did the Mad Hatter help Alice?

After crossing paths with Alice, his human friend, the Hatter helps lead her to the Red Queen's court, where he is quickly captured. Luckily, the Hatter manages to stave off execution by making hats for the vain Queen, but it's uncertain how long he can keep her anger at bay.

Why does the Mad Hatter change personalities?

Hatter decides to leave from home after a misunderstanding fight with his father. Mad Hatter experiences a traumatic childhood event that affects his life and it may lead him to the life sense of fear and regret. After experiencing a traumatic childhood, Mad Hatter starts to have change in his personality.

What is Mad Hatter obsessed with?

In addition to his obsession with Lewis Carroll, Tetch has also shown an additional obsession for hats. In Secret Six, he will not eat a piece of food that does not have a hat on it, and states that he is not interested in the sight of his naked teammate Knockout because she is not wearing a hat.

Are Alice and Hatter a couple?

More juice bits from Tim Burton: -When asked about rumors that there was a relationship plotline between Alice and the Mad Hatter, Burton replied with a very emphatic "No!" -He doesn't see his version as either a sequel to any existing Alice movie. He also doesn't see it as a re-imagining.

Was Alice in love with the Hatter?

Alice falls in love with the Mad Hatter and they both want to get married. The moment captures their sparking love and happiness. Alice wants to stay forever in Wonderland with the Mad Hatter. But what is White Rabbit doing there and does not seem happy.

What is the deeper meaning of Alice in Wonderland?

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland represents the child's struggle to survive in the confusing world of adults. To understand our adult world, Alice has to overcome the open-mindedness that is characteristic for children. Apparently, adults need rules to live by.

What is the most famous quote from Alice in Wonderland?

What is the significance of the card in the Mad Hatter's hat?

Lewis Carroll has explained the meaning of the tag in his 'Nursery Alice': The Hatter used to carry about hats to sell: and even the one that he's got on his head is meant to be sold. You see it's got its price marked on it – a “10” and a “6” – that means “ten shillings and sixpence.”

Is Mad Hatter about mental illness?

While the song is meant to be Cry Baby's acceptance of her madness, it instead perpetuates many stereotypes about mental illness.

Why did the Mad Hatter's eyes change?

And when they were exposed to mercury many years it really started affecting them: skin began to pale down, nails began to gain some "yellowish" color, hair started to become fuzzy. Even pupils could become dilated. Hatters' skin was affected by mercury poisoning, but the colors were also mood colors.

What does mercury do to the human body?

Health effects of mercury exposure

The inhalation of mercury vapour can produce harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys, and may be fatal. The inorganic salts of mercury are corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.