How do Tweedledee and Tweedledum try to put off their conflicts?

Answer 1

Once Tweedledum draws attention to his broken rattle, Tweedledee tries to hide by folding himself up in an umbrella. This doesn't work and Tweedledum challenges him to a battle. After Tweedledee agrees they go off to fetch protective clothing which they then spend ages putting on. Tweedledum complains that he has a headache, and Tweedledee says he has a toothache, but when Alice suggests that they should put off their fight, Tweedledum replies that they "must have a fight," but rather than actually fighting, they then describe to Alice the carnage they create when they have a battle. By the time they are ready to fight, the Monstrous Crow has arrived, which frightens them both away, and so the fight never takes place.

There's no indication in the text that Tweedledum and Tweedledee are actually trying to avoid the fight, but we, as readers, know that the author, Lewis Carroll, is delaying the fight from starting until the arrival of the Crow, so that the action of the story follows the action of the nursery rhyme referred to earlier in the chapter:

Tweedledum and Tweedledee
Agreed to have a battle;
For Tweedledum said Tweedledee
Had spoiled his nice new rattle.

Just then flew down a monstrous crow,
As black as a tar-barrel;
Which frightened both the heroes so,
They quite forgot their quarrel.

Answer 2

Tweedledee and Tweedledum use wordplay, nonsense, and distraction to avoid serious conflicts. They often engage in circular arguments and theatrical gestures to avoid addressing their disagreements directly. Their playful banter and exaggerated reactions help them evade confrontations and maintain a harmonious relationship.