In this lesson, The Cat in the Hat is used as a primer to teach students how to analyze a literary work using the literary tools of plot, theme, characterization, and psychoanalytical criticism. In part one, students use a plot handout to identify the elements of plot and theme for The Cat in the Hat. Part two introduces psychoanalytic criticism as students classify the characters from the story, using the Id, Ego, and Superego. Students then develop an argument stating the psychological personality for each character. In part three, students gather evidence supporting their arguments by identifying examples of indirect characterization in the text. In part four, students refine their analysis and develop an analytical essay. Using a simple text provides an opportunity for students to develop and practice character analysis skills that can be applied to grade appropriate text in subsequent activities. (author/ncl)

This lesson is suitable for all career fields since literacy and writing skills are vital for all students.   The lesson uses the The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss to teach students how to analyze a piece of literature and provide evidence to support their arguments.  Plot, theme, characterization, and psychological analysis of the characters are explored. All the needed handouts are included.  The engaging content and opportunities for group work will be particularly appealing to struggling readers and writers. The lesson format could be adapted for use with other literary texts.