Speech on what we learn from imginative journeys from "Oh the places you'll go" Dr Seuss and The Road Not Taken Robert Frost

Essay by vivHigh School, 12th gradeA+, March 2005

download word file, 2 pages 3.0

Downloaded 36 times

"Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away."

These opening lines mark the commencement of the imaginative journey through the world created by Dr. Seuss in his picture book, ""Oh the Places You'll go!" ,an allegory of Life and its possibilities. Robert Frost also explores the same concept in his poem The Road not Taken.

It is clear from both texts a journey of the imagination influences and shapes one's perspective of the world and often results in transformation.

"Oh the Places you'll Go" motivates personal growth through gaining an understanding of the complexities of life, inspiring optimism and perseverance.

The Road Not Taken however emphasizes the significance of decisions one makes in their life and how such decisions are the catalysts to the person they become.

In the characteristic style of Dr. Seuss, 'oh the places you'll go'; is written in rhyme with a light tone.

The language is simple, utilizing many metaphors, both visually and written. The imaginative journey alludes to all aspects of life; the positives through grinning purple elephants while the negatives are personified into "Hakken Kraks". The author rejoices in everyone's potential to fulfill their dreams: "You'll be on your way up! / You'll be seeing great sights!" While at the same time, he is realistic about the pitfalls of life: "grind on for miles across weirdish wild space, headed, I fear, toward a most useless place"

This distinctive style with the balance of absurdity and the relative indifference to the philosophical message being unveiled is what heightens the books appeal to a wide audience. Hence the imaginative journey is not subject to age constraints and as a result, both young and old are able to experience growth or a change in their perspectives.

"Oh The...