While there is no single "official" Cheshire Cat monologue, the character’s dialogue from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland—specifically the "We’re all mad here" exchange—is frequently adapted into monologues for auditions and performances. Performance Review: The Cheshire Cat Monologue
The Cheshire Cat's most iconic utterance, however, is undoubtedly: "Who are you?" (Carroll 61). This deceptively simple question belies a profound inquiry into the nature of identity. The Cat's query serves as a catalyst for Alice's introspection, prompting her to question her own sense of self. This theme is reminiscent of the philosophical ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre, who argued that human beings are "condemned to be free," forced to create their own essence and identity (Sartre 1943). The Cheshire Cat's question can be seen as a manifestation of this existentialist notion, highlighting the inherent ambiguity and fluidity of human identity.
- Literary works: Authors like Jorge Luis Borges and Terry Pratchett have cited the Cheshire Cat Monologue as an inspiration for their own explorations of absurdity and illogic.
- Film and television: The monologue has been referenced and parodied in numerous films and TV shows, including Disney's animated adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland" and the TV series "Doctor Who."
I’m not all here myself, you know. I fade... I flicker... I leave my grin behind just to keep the world guessing. Is it a smile of greeting? Or a smile because I know something you don't? Run along now. The Hatter is waiting, and he’s even more 'not all there' than I am. Ta-ta!". The Philosophy of the Fork in the Road
This version is often used for modern or abstract auditions, focusing on the nature of time and memory.



