The 500 Hats Of Bartoholemew Cubbins Themes

How is this global issue depicted in one literary work?
No matter the book, authors always include underlying, worldwide problems beneath the surface of the ink on the page. For example, Goal 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, is portrayed in the conflict of the story "The 500 Hats of Bartholemew Cubbins" by Dr. Suess. In this story, the rules of the medieval kingdom of Didd require that everyone removes their hat when in the presence of the king. As the king's carriage rumbles down the street one day, a young man named Bartholemew seems to be unable to take his hat off. Every time he removes it, a new one takes its place. The king is infuriated by the boy's apparent disrespect, and eventually orders for him to be executed. This is where justice comes into play. Rather than just blindly obeying the king and

killing the innocent Bartholemew, the executioner takes a second look at the situation. He realizes that it would be grossly unfair to kill the boy over a problem as ridiculous as the inability to remove one's hat, so he declares "fiddlesticks .

. . I can't execute [him] at all" (Suess 36). This simple statement reveals how a man in an important position of power, the executioner, has ideals that include human rights and justice at the heart of his profession. Although it seems ridiculous for someone with such a grisly job to be so pure of heart, this is actually how it should be. In a strong government, if a job with the purpose of killing wrongdoers must exist, it should not be given to biased people with a nasty streak, instead it should be given to people who understand the clear line between right and wrong, and are not afraid to advocate for it. Furthermore, Suess describes the executioner in a warm light when he says "in spite of his business, he really seemed to be a very pleasant man" (Suess 34). Not only does the executioner have good intentions at heart, but he is someone who the people can look up to in hard times. If he can remain lighthearted with such a dark profession, then what are they to worry about with their simple, everyday problems. Besides running the kingdom, that is the job of the government: keep the people

calm and happy by preserving a strong outward appearance. In conclusion, Suess does an excellent job of describing an issue so relevant as injustice and weak government in a childlike way so that when a young kid reads it, they have no choice but to understand at least the bare bones of the issues involved with Goal 16.

Why do you think authors continue to address global issues in their literary works?
Authors consistently address global issues through their literary works because their books are the loudest voice that allow them to spread their opinion on important issues whilst also teaching the readers about the issues. Remember, authors are people too, and everyone wants their voice to be heard and their opinion to be agreed with. Books are arguably the easiest way to spread opinions without dissent because once it is on the page, nothing and no one can change it. In addition, the global issues affect everyone, so authors are simply trying to raise awareness on problems that could affect them, their children, or their grandchildren. For many, it is almost impossible to convince people to get up and do something to change the world, but the title of "author" gives an automatic initial credibility to almost anything said. The gift of writing skills is also the gift of the ability to eloquently advocate for a cause to a wide variety of people.