DAVID Morris | Art

The definition of a rabbit hole is provided in the column to the left, although this is only a starting point in terms of considering the wider nature and characteristics of what a rabbit hole actually is, and what it represents.

In some ways the period from 1999 – 2023 represents a personal rabbit hole although perhaps not strictly limited to the terms of the dictionary definition. That said, if we do take the 2^nd definition, this can be extended to entertain the notion of beginning a process or journey that is particularly strange, difficult, complex, or chaotic, especially one that becomes increasingly so as it develops or unfolds. At the same time, it can constitute a situation or environment which is problematic and from which it is difficult to extricate oneself.

Whilst this interpretation has a negative connotation, the term rabbit hole can be viewed in a positive or creative way in various contexts. Most notably these include Alice in Wonderland, the internet, and learning and research in general.

The various ‘holes’ I went down during this time included writing three novels, and completing the best part of a fourth. In terms of academic writing, this involved gaining both my Masters degree and my Doctorate. These were all incredible journeys of discovery. That’s not to say that it was always plain sailing. There were also black holes.

Doing a PhD is difficult at the best of times, but within a five year period during its completion I lost my parents, my brother, my aunt, my mother-in-law, and a best friend. To say this rabbit hole was “strange, difficult, complex” and “chaotic” is an understatement – it was almost impossible to escape from without falling into another tunnel.

Thankfully, I found the way out having dug under the channel to emerge on French soil in 2016 and thus beginning the process of a new journey.