The Cat in the Hat
Returning in this beloved sequel, The Cat in the Hat is a well-known children's character. The cat represents chaos, fun, and impulsivity, entering suburban American homes and causing complete disruption. He provides the children he visits with a break from monotony and boredom, encouraging their creativity and spontaneity. However, the cat also represents destruction, causing a big mess to be cleared up at the end of the story.
The boy's house
The boy's house is depicted as being a very normal, American home. It is described as being red and as being in a normal neighborhood, which is supported by the illustrations. As such, the house represents normality, which is soon to be disrupted by the presence of the cat.
The Cold War Allegory
Seuss's children's books are often connected to wider, political themes. Critics have often argued that The Cat in the Hat series is an allegory for the Cold War. To evidence this point, they point to symbolic "stains" that spread all over the house, which have been linked to the spread of communism in America. Additionally, the Cat in the Hat himself represents an unknown force that threatens to disrupt American normality.
