# §1: The Pigs explained — A Tangled Tale

> Chapter companion for A Tangled Tale by Lewis Carroll.

## What happens

The chapter presents a puzzle about placing twenty-four pigs in four sties such that, when going round and round, the number in each sty is nearer to ten than the number in the last. The answer given is 8, 10, 0, 6. Only two correspondents comment: Balbus notes it cannot be solved mathematically or by verbal quibble, and Nolens Volens suggests changing the direction of travel and carrying pigs in front.

## Themes in this chapter

### Logic and Paradox

The puzzle defies mathematical solution and relies on a verbal quibble, highlighting a logical paradox.

### Humor and Absurdity

The absurd solution involving carrying pigs in front of Her Radiancy adds a humorous twist.

## Character check-ins

### Balbus

Comments that the pig problem cannot be solved mathematically nor by verbal quibble.

### Nolens Volens

Suggests changing the direction of going round and adding that pigs must be carried in front of Her Radiancy.

## Key lines

> Place twenty-four pigs in four sties so that, as you go round and round, you may always find the number in each sty nearer to ten than the number in the last.

Arrange 24 pigs across 4 pens so that, when circling continuously, each pen's count is closer to 10 than the previous pen's count.

_The core puzzle statement._

> Balbus says 'it certainly cannot be solved mathematically, nor do I see how to solve it by any verbal quibble.'

Balbus states the problem has no mathematical solution and he cannot find a verbal trick to solve it either.

_Balbus's commentary on the puzzle's insolubility._

> Nolens Volens makes Her Radiancy change the direction of going round; and even then is obliged to add 'the pigs must be carried in front of her'!

Nolens Volens has Her Radiancy reverse the direction of travel, and still must add that the pigs must be carried in front of her.

_Nolens Volens's absurd solution to the puzzle._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tangled_tale_se/chapters/1-the-pigs
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tangled_tale_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tangled_tale_se/chapters