The document provides an introduction to the concept of allegory and discusses Dr. Seuss' book "The Lorax" as an example. It defines allegory as a story that can reveal a hidden meaning, especially related to moral or political issues, through symbolic characters and events. Dr. Seuss was skilled at allegory and many of his children's books, including "The Lorax" and "Yertle the Turtle", were allegories about important political or moral issues aimed at adults. The document suggests analyzing "The Lorax" to identify characters, setting, plot, messages, and emotional reactions.

1. Allegory
The Lorax – By Dr. Seuss

2. Introduction to Allegory
Essential questions: What is an allegory? What is the purpose of allegory?
Definitions:
• a story, poem, or picture which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden
meaning, typically a moral or political one. (Google)
• a story in which the characters and events are symbols that stand for ideas
about human life or for a political or historical situation; a symbolic
representation of something else (Merriam-Webster)
• a literary device in which characters or events in a literary, visual, or
musical art form represent or symbolize ideas and concepts (Wikipedia)
Examples of allegory abound in literature. In fact, you no doubt have already
read, watched or listened to many.

3. Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss was an expert allegorist.
Nearly all of his full-length books for
children are in fact allegories of
important political or moral issues
targeted at adults. Some
particularly well known examples
are:
- The Lorax
- Yertle the Turtle
- The Sneetches

4. The Lorax
Let’s watch the film and makes some notes– consider characters, setting, plot and
messages. You can record these in the Analysis worksheet as you go.
You should also make note of your reactions to parts of the text that spark an emotion.

5. Visible Thinking Routine
Unveiling Stories
This routine invites you to uncover multiple layers in a text
and to investigate world issues.

6. Unveiling Stories
Step One: What’s the Story?
As a group explain the central, most visible story of the
text.
Step Two: What is the human story?
Discuss the way the story helps us understand the
lives/nature of our fellow human beings around the world.
Step Three: What is the world story?
Discuss the ways in which the story highlights global issues
with society or systems?

7. Unveiling Stories
Step Four: What is the new story?
Discuss what is new about the issue being
explored – what changes and
developments have we seen?
Step Five: What is the untold story?
Decide if there are ideas that have been
left out or are not considered in the story.

8. Visible Thinking Routine
The 3 Ys
This routine will help you to discern the significance of
the issue - keeping global, local and personal
connections in mind.

9. The 3 Ys
1. Why might this story matter to
me?
2. Why might it matter to the
people around me (friends,
family, community, city)
3. Why might it matter to the
world?