Dr. Seuss-the Butter Battle Book Analysis

9/16/12 The works of Dr. Seuss have for so long accompanied children growing up, whether it be in school, at the library, or at home. For children, his books represented a land of adventure and wonderful rhyming imagery. But in our childhood years, who knew he had an underlying meaning that meant so much more? As a young adult today, I am now cognizant of Dr. Seuss’ hidden agenda and vow to implore this man’s exertions of bringing awareness to the problems America was facing not only nationally, but globally as well. In Dr. Seuss’ book, The Butter Battle Book, he attempts to “open the eyes of the world” by using interpretation, symbolism, and rhyme scheme as an effective tool for achieving peace. In Dr. Seuss’ The Butter Battle Book, he manages to provide an entertaining story for young children while also imprinting an important lesson that can be appreciated by both kids and adults. As “out there” and silly as his stories sometimes appear to be, they all leave a lasting impression on the audience that can both mold youths to adapt to these morals, and cajole adults to reflect on their outlook of life. In The Butter Battle Book (TBBB), Dr. Seuss is clearly portraying the social issues that were arising between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War. The conflict between the Yooks (Americans) and the Zooks (Russians) seems so trivial but can easily relate to the Nuclear Arms Race that was mainly fueled by national pride and egocentricity. Dr. Seuss was just pointing out how silly the USSR and the U.S was being by comparing it to “which side of the bread the butter should be spread”. Dr. Seuss attempts to achieve peace by passively pointing out the flaws between both parties and demonstrating that neither side should have to go to such extraordinary lengths to prove themselves. However, one weakness in his book was the relaying message some readers may have took from the story. For some, it may have seemed like: when faced with a threat,

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