Dear Dr. Seuss
While the world as a whole recognizes the quality of your literary master pieces, I truly believe few even begin to comprehend the metaphorical implication of your many great works. Perhaps the most frequently over looked message is found in “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.” This message is unquestionably one of acceptance. Too frequently children are reared without concern for others; too frequently humanity witnesses and eventually suffers from the many essential lessons parents fail to teach their children. It is my sincerest belief that this book for young readers helps compensates for forgotten instruction and benefits young readers. Or in short, teaches them acceptance.
Upon the study of “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” one also begins to wonder if all of your books contain an underlying theme. I would certainly think so. For example, “O The Places You Will Go,” teaches self confidence, “The Cat In The Hat,” is an extended metaphor for responsibility, and “I Will Not Eat Green Eggs And Ham,” implies perseverance. However, we must realize that a five year old reader won’t understand the notion of a metaphor or connotation (in most cases), a fact that brings me to my next point.
Books that affect your life should continue maintain and finally reveal additional “secrets” as you age and become more aware of your role in a community. As I have previously stated, this holds true for “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish,” as well. It wasn’t until recently that I myself became aware of the underlying theme. Then again, it wasn’t until recently that I read it to my little brother. As a fifteen year old enrolled in an honors English course literary terms such as connotation and metaphor seem to be everywhere. Why does Ned have a bed he doesn’t like? Is his family too poor to afford a new one of substantial size? However, this leads me to question my analysis of this simplistic children’s book. It certainly isn’t wrong to consider a literary piece designed for young readers as life changing, but is understandably a stretch. Did you intend these themes in your books? Did you intend mom and pop to get a message out of the books they read to their children? “And now my story is all told.”
Sincerely,
Max Holland
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