Informative Outline Topic Theodor Seuss Geisel

Informative Outline
Topic: Theodor Seuss Geisel
General Purpose: To Inform
Specific Purpose: To Inform my audience about one of the most beloved children’s authors of the twentieth century, Dr. Seuss
Thesis: Through a few of his works, Geisel incorporates multiple messages including the importance of global and earth awareness, and life.
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter: Who here knows who Dr. Seuss is? How many of you know his real name? Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, is perhaps one of the most beloved children’s authors of the twentieth century. He used the power of imagination to produce unforgettable children’s books. By using his experiences in life as a foundation for most of his books, Theodor Seuss Geisel created a unique writing style that incorporated various elements and techniques, enabling his books to appeal to people of all ages.
B. Thesis Statement: Through a few of his works, Seuss incorporates multiple messages including the importance of global and earth awareness, and life.
C. Relevancy Statement: Dr. Seuss revolutionized children’s literature and instilled in children the desire to read
D. Credibility Statement: I grew up reading Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Hams.” His book’s filled with imagination and humor which made it very enjoyable. All of his books are constructed with simple words that make it easy for children to learn how to read.
E. Preview Statement:
1. I will discuss the inspiration and influences for many of his works.
2. And also the lessons and messages written in some of those works.
II. Seuss grew up speaking German and English. His fascination with quirky words began at an early age due to his family
A. The sounds and absurdities of German and English spoken in the household were sources of inspiration and influence for these quirky words that appear in his books
1. Dr. Seuss’ very first children’s book, “And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street”, was modeled after his favorite book, The Hole
2. Moreover, it was based on his childhood in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he remembered the zoo and various parades in the streets
3. Mulberry Street also happens to be the name of the street where he grew up
B. His inspiration wasn’t limited to his family and childhood. Most of the inspirations for his books came from everyday mishaps
1. For example, on a train to New York, Seuss was inspired to write “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins”; on that train, Seuss had noticed a stranger wearing a pompous hat and thought that, if the hat were to blow away, a new hat would grow right out of the stranger’s head
2. The idea of Horton Hatches the Egg came to Seuss when a breeze blew sketches around his drawing board, making it look as if an elephant was sitting on a tree
3. Even the book “Green Eggs and Hams” was created because a colleague bet fifty dollars that Seuss wouldn’t be able to make a book with only 50 words. Obviously, his colleague lost that bet.
C. By using his imagination, Seuss was able to provide extraordinary worlds for his followers to read about.
(Sometimes, Seuss wrote purposely to convey a message)
III. He wanted his messages to be lighthearted, yet serious
A. Horton Hatches the Egg is one of his children’s books that included a moral message
1. The messages was: With hard work and diligence, great rewards will come, such as Horton’s hard work leading to the hatching of an elephant-bird
B. Another book, The Sneetches, offers a lesson that discrimination based upon physical characteristics is destructive and hurtful
C. Although Seuss was primarily a children’s author, he used his talent to convey his opposition to major issues, such as disarmament, discrimination, and pollution
1. The Lorax symbolized Seuss’ anger at pollution and destruction of the environment, and was his first children’s novel classified as propaganda
2. To symbolize his response to the race for nuclear arms, Seuss wrote The Butter Battle Book in 1984. According to his secretary at the time, “The Butter Battle Book is the most important contribution Dr. Seuss has made in his many years of giving children something to think about
3. Furthermore, Seuss wrote “You’re Only Old Once!” to portray his perspective on the medical field and healthcare. When analyzing the numerous works Seuss had written, one can see that satire and humor are found in all of his works, not just his children’s books
(The use of humor helped Dr. Seuss revolutionize children’s literature and instilled in children the desire to read.)
IV. It helped solve the problem of illiteracy among America’s children
A. According to literary critic Clifton Fadiman, “Theodor Geisel Seuss provided ingenious and uniquely witty solutions to the standing problem of illiteracy among children”
B. Due to various influential figures and profound experiences during his lifetime, as well as expert use of creative literary techniques, Theodor Seuss Geisel’s children’s books continue to compel readers of all ages – allowing them to escape into different worlds filled with nonsense. Without the influence of his surroundings and life experiences, Dr. Seuss would not have been able to become the renowned children’s author he is today.
Works Cites:
Baker, Andrew (March 3, 2010). "Ten Things You May Not Have Known About Dr. Seuss". The Peel. Retrieved September 14, 2014
“Dr. Seuss.” Seussville. Random House Children's Books, 1995. Web. 16 Sept. 2014.
“Geisel, Theodore Seuss 1904-1991.” Contemporary Authors: New Revision Series. Ed. Linda Metzger Vol. 13. Detroit: Gale, 1984. 212-213.
Seuss. The Butter Battle Book. New York: Random House, 1984. Print.
Seuss. Horton Hatches the Egg. New York: Random House, 1940. Print.
Seuss. The Lorax. New York: Random House, 1971. Print.
Seuss. The Sneetches: And Other Stories. New York: Random House, 1961. Print.
Seuss. You're Only Old Once! New York: Random House, 1986. Print.