The Cat in the Hat Analysis
Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Setting
Last Train to SeussvilleDr. Seuss's famous friend Maurice Sendak has this Seuss-setting related advice for us:[Y]ou have entered Seussville, where questions and doubts are left at the door with the...
Tone
The ChallengeDr. Seuss lavished this book with care, that's for sure—it's obvious in everything from the smoothly flowing rhymes to the consistently energizing illustrations. Why so deliberate? W...
Writing Style
Clearly we have no choice but to read The Cat in the Hat aloud. Go ahead and try these lines on for size:"They are tame. Oh so tame! They have come here to play.They will give you some funOn this w...
What's Up With the Title?
Nothing complicated here. The Cat (in the hat) is the star—the hero. Everything about him screams, "Name this book after me! Put me on the cover!" Whether you know him as El Gato en el Sombrero,...
What's Up With the Ending?
The Cat in the Hat seems like the epitome of happily ever after: the house is restored to order, the kids learn a thing or two about fun, and Mom comes home safe and sound. Of course, since this is...
Trivia
By 1960—just three years after it was published—The Cat in the Hat had sold a million copies. Not bad for a trouble-making cat and a back-talking fish. (Source.)Dr. Seuss was an artiste with a...