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Archetypes In The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

Decent Essays

The literary school of criticism which best interprets Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” is the archetypal lens. The poem tells the tale of a Grinch who’s attempt to stop Christmas is relinquished when he is moved by the Christmas spirit of Whoville. Through the usage of character and thematic archetypes, Seuss is able to strengthen the impact of his poem. In the poem, the Grinch is clearly an example of the villain, seen in how “his heart was two sizes too small,” a metaphor for how he lacks empathy and love (Seuss 8). The Grinch’s portrayal as a villain eliminates the reader’s doubts as to why he is attempting to steal Christmas as it is implied that villains will attempt to commit evil. Another example of a character archetype

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