Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss

Born in 1904, Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, is perhaps one of the most beloved children’s authors of the twentieth century. Although he is most famous as an author of children’s books, Geisel was also a political cartoonist, advertisement designer, and film director. He used the power of imagination to produce unforgettable children’s books and helped solve the problem of illiteracy among America’s children. By using his experiences in life as a foundation for most of his books, Theodor Geisel was able to shape the character of many of his readers, as well as teach children subliminal messages through a unique writing style that incorporated various elements and techniques. Through a few of his books, Geisel incorporates multiple messages including relationships with others, the importance of global and earth awareness, and the dangers of materialism.

Not only are they mesmerizing and entertaining, Dr. Seuss’ books are as well educational as he uses literary techniques to teach readers moral lessons. As a noted perfectionist, he would work hours on his children's books. He once stated, "The creative process boiled down to two things - time and sweat” (“Theodor Geisel”). A.O Scott writes, “his writing style remained unchanged throughout his lifetime; the way he wrote in general was a fill-in-the-blank approach and used whimsical language coupled with artless drawings”(Scott). In several of his children's books, Geisel adds more and more tension, building up to the climax only to end in an anticlimactic way. For example, in The Cat in the Hat, suspense increases as the mess the Cat makes becomes unmanageable. The illustrations add to this tension as the children's mother is set to arrive. ...

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... Seuss Enterprises. 5 Mar 2008 .

"Dr. Seuss." Authors and Artists for Young Adults. Ed. Scot Peacock Vol. 48. Gale, 2003. 48-54. Dr. Seuss. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Random House, New York, NY, 1957.

Dr. Seuss. The Lorax, Random House, New York, NY, 1971.

Dr. Seuss. Yertle the Turtle, Random House, New York, NY, 1958.

"Geisel, Theodore Seuss 1904-1991." Contemporary Authors: New Revision Series. Ed. Linda Metzger Vol. 13. Detroit: Gale, 1984. 212-213.

Scott, A. O.. "Sense and Nonsense." The New York Times Magazine 26 Nov. 2000 02 Feb. 2008 .

Works Cited

"Geisel, Theodore Seuss 1904-1991." Contemporary Authors: New Revision Series. Ed. Linda Metzger Vol. 13. Detroit: Gale, 1984. 212-213.

Scott, A.. "Sense and Nonsense." The New York Times Magazine 200026 Nov. 2000 1-11. 03 Feb. 2008 .