How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
Every Who
Down in Who-ville
Liked Christmas a lot… (1-3)
You might think, "Duh. Who doesn't like Christmas?" Well, this opening is set up to show the reader a united community (the Whos), and an opposing individual (the Christmas-hating Grinch). The dichotomy between a community and an isolated individual runs strong throughout the book. Seuss sets it up perfectly with this opening; the Whos are introduced as a whole group rather than as individuals.
Quote #2
Then the Whos, young and old, would sit down to a feast.
And they'd feast! And they'd feast! (31-32)
In the descriptions of their Christmas celebration, it becomes clear that these Whos really know how to throw one legit party. They appear (at least to the Grinch) to be even more united during the holidays, coming together despite differences in age or opinion and sitting down for a peaceful meal.
Quote #3
Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any presents at all!
He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming!
IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same! (157-161)
In the end, the Whos are presented as quite the strong community, holding hands and singing so loudly that the Grinch can hear it all the way from atop Mt. Crumpit. Wait a second… maybe that's why he hated their singing so much to begin with. They were that loud? At any rate, they are not defeated by the loss of Christmas, and they're not defined by the holiday either. As a community, they get over the whole lack of presents and Christmas trees thing and decide to make it work—no tears, no pouting.