Alice in Wonderland

There are very clear parallels between Quentin's experience at Harvard and at his home and Alice's experiences in Wonderland.

Clearly, both are confused and unsure of what to make of this new world before them. In Alice's case it is Wonderland, and for Quentin it's Harvard and the "new" South. Both characters also have relationships with strange characters. For Alice, she meets the overbearing and unreasonable Queen of Hearts (a good parallel to Mrs. Compson) and the ever-mysterious grinning cat (similar to Caddy).

Both Alice and Quentin eventually return to reality. Alice, by waking up and Quentin by constantly returning to his watch.