Windows (Symbol)
As the Grinch sits in his cave, looking down bitterly at Who-ville, he sees their "warm-lighted windows." These windows represent the strong sense of community that the Whos have, and their warmth towards one another. This is contrasted with the Grinch's cold and lonely cave.
The Grinch's Suit (Symbol)
As the Grinch carries out his devious scheme to destroy Christmas, he wears a Santa Claus suit. He does this ironically at first, but later becomes an embodiment of Santa Claus himself when he gives the children their presents back at the end of the story.
Community and Warmth (Motif)
Community is a key motif in this story and is represented by the Whos. The Whos operate impeccably as a society and share the value of togetherness and a love of Christmas.
The Whos (Symbol)
The Whos represent a sense of community and inclusion, from which the Grinch is excluded. With their love for Christmas and warmth towards each other, the Whos represent the hopeful potential for people to live happily together with a shared communal spirit.
The Grinch (Symbol)
The Grinch represents people who are unwilling to join the society and act respectfully, due to ignorance or bitterness. The Grinch isolates himself due to his ignorance about the Whos and his hatred of Christmas, but later he learns the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of being part of a community.
