How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Transformation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #1

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?
"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
Then he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore. (162-166)

This is the critical point in the story where we really see the Grinch's transformation begin. As he stands there puzzling for a full three hours (not too long, when you consider how much his worldview changes), he begins to see that he was wrong about Christmas and what it stands for.

Quote #2

And what happened then…?
Well... in Who-ville they say
That the Grinch's small heart
Grew three sizes that day! (170-173)

In the final moments of the book, the Grinch supposedly goes through a physiological change, though we'd like to see that verified by a doctor, please. He grows a heart and finds himself partaking in the joy of Christmas, whizzing back down to Who-ville to return all the toys and food to their rightful owners. You could even say he was their very own Santa Claus that year (if you overlook the whole thievery thing).

Quote #3

The Grinch carved the roast beast! (179)

What a line to end on. This is proof positive of just how much the Grinch has been transformed. Not only does he not hate Christmas, but he's willing to act as an active participant in all the hoopla. You could say that the Grinch truly found himself as part of the Who-ville community that day.