The Hunting of the Snark

This long nonsense poem tells of a crew of ten odd characters, led by a Bellman, who sail to a distant island to hunt the elusive Snark. Among them are a Baker, a Butcher, a Banker and a Barrister, each with peculiar habits and equipment. The poem is divided into eight sections, called fits, and follows the voyage and the search. It mixes comedy, absurd logic and a little menace, and it has been read in many ways, from a simple joke to an allegory. It remains a favourite of nonsense verse.