Essay Questions

How does Dr. Seuss depict the idea of friendship in this book?

Friendship is a key theme in this book and is crucial in making sure that the house is clean before the boy's mother gets home. Although the boy is initially very pessimistic about the mess, the cat gives him a sense of hope. This being said the cat does agree that he "can't do it alone," showing that they must work as a group to get the job done.

How is the Cat in the Hat presented in this book, in terms of values and personality?

The Cat in the Hat is a mischievous, chaotic character who wreaks havoc wherever he goes. Nonetheless, he is also a fun and lovable character who brings a bit of excitement into the boy's life. Initially, the cat is judged as being a "bad one" due to his destructive behavior, which may be a wise judgment considering the mess he causes.