Morality In How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Morality in Dr. Seuss Books
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!” Does this sound familiar? This is a very recognizable quote for millions of individuals worldwide, from Dr. Seuss’ book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Dr. Seuss’ works have captured the attention of children for decades with his entertaining and educational books. Dr. Seuss’ books are focused on morality and environmental awareness. Dr. Seuss’ books express creativity for young children. His books are also very pleasurable and interesting for all age groups, from the young to the old. Theodore Geisel demonstrates to children positive ethical decision making and morality throughout his series of Dr. Seuss books.
While most of us have probably never heard of Theodore Geisel, we know his work well. Writing under the name “Dr. Seuss”, Geisel unveiled to millions of children the values that have defined the human experience. Geisel’s books have expanded our imagination, encouraged our sense of self-worth and challenged us to make the world and our local community’s better places. They’ve also reminded us that the ideas of freedom, individualism and liberty have always existed in tension with community, restraint and personal sacrifice. (Fea) …show more content…
Seuss’ books expressed social and political views. For example, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, about the materialism of the Christmas season; Yertle the Turtle, about Hitler and authoritarianism; The Sneetches, about racial equality; and The Lorax, about environmentalism and anti-consumerism. (Banned) Soon after the war, Seuss’ books went on the banned books list. In a 1992 New York Times Book Review article, Janet Maslin complained about what she felt was the “scare factor” in children’s literature. Maslin sited Seuss, and complained that educational children’s literature neither entertains nor soothes its young audience.
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!” Does this sound familiar? This is a very recognizable quote for millions of individuals worldwide, from Dr. Seuss’ book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Dr. Seuss’ works have captured the attention of children for decades with his entertaining and educational books. Dr. Seuss’ books are focused on morality and environmental awareness. Dr. Seuss’ books express creativity for young children. His books are also very pleasurable and interesting for all age groups, from the young to the old. Theodore Geisel demonstrates to children positive ethical decision making and morality throughout his series of Dr. Seuss books.
While most of us have probably never heard of Theodore Geisel, we know his work well. Writing under the name “Dr. Seuss”, Geisel unveiled to millions of children the values that have defined the human experience. Geisel’s books have expanded our imagination, encouraged our sense of self-worth and challenged us to make the world and our local community’s better places. They’ve also reminded us that the ideas of freedom, individualism and liberty have always existed in tension with community, restraint and personal sacrifice. (Fea) …show more content…
Seuss’ books expressed social and political views. For example, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, about the materialism of the Christmas season; Yertle the Turtle, about Hitler and authoritarianism; The Sneetches, about racial equality; and The Lorax, about environmentalism and anti-consumerism. (Banned) Soon after the war, Seuss’ books went on the banned books list. In a 1992 New York Times Book Review article, Janet Maslin complained about what she felt was the “scare factor” in children’s literature. Maslin sited Seuss, and complained that educational children’s literature neither entertains nor soothes its young audience.