Name: ___________________________________________________

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

Reading/Discussion Guide
Directions: Read the poem with your partner, and complete the following questions in the order that they
are asked.

BEFORE YOU READ

1. What are your impressions of Dr. Seuss stories? (What types of stories did he write? What are the
characters like? What are the settings like? What are typical themes/messages found in his stories?
What is the typical structure of his stories? Who reads his stories?)

2. What do you already know about “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”?

DURING YOUR READING

3. Why do YOU think the Grinch hates Christmas and the Whos? What evidence from the text
supports your answer? Be specific.

4. What type of poetry is “HTGSC” (narrative, epic, haiku)? Why?

5. Describe the setting of this poem.

6. List one example of rhyme you see in the poem.

7. List two examples of strong imagery in the poem.

 8. List two examples of alliteration (words side by side that start with the same consonant sound)
in the poem.

9. List three examples of interesting diction, or word choice, in the poem. Why do you think Dr.
Seuss chose these particular word choices?

AFTER YOU READ

10. What is the theme, or “big idea,” represented in the poem?

11. What audience do you think this poem was written for? What about the poem makes you think
so? Why do you think people continue to read or adapt this story over and over again?

12. What might be a symbol in “HTGSC”? What bigger idea might that symbol represent?

13. Complete the plot diagram below for the poem.

14. Fill out the following Venn Diagram, comparing/contrasting the characters of Scrooge and the
Grinch. Think about their backgrounds, how others viewed them, their home lives, how they
redeem themselves, the lessons they learned, and their impact on the world today.
15. Write a one paragraph summary of your findings represented in your Venn Diagram:
Compare/contrast the protagonists, Scrooge and the Grinch. Include at least three differences
and three similarities. Note their greater impact on society today in your concluding sentence.

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