Sesame Street, the beloved PBS series that has been on the air since November 10, 1969, has had a profound influence on generations of children. The series has taught children lessons such as the alphabet, counting, reading, compassion, and healthy habits. Through Jim Henson, signature Muppets such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Abby, the Count, and Oscar the Grouch were brought to life.
While these Muppets were monsters, children loved them, especially Cookie Monster. While the Muppet characters were the main attraction, there were human characters who were there to be audience surrogates and relatable role models to children.
Characters like the Count have taught children numeracy, and others like Big Bird have taught self-acceptance, and Grover has taught children to persevere in the toughest of situations. While these characters are active in the show, there are others who give a nuanced portrayal of lessons and what a monster is, Oscar the Grouch. Oscar the Grouch is a green Muppet monster who lives in a garbage can and is always grouchy, as his namesake, is surprisingly a good person who teaches lessons of tolerance and even recycling, and while many characters do really see him as a grouch, he can often be humble and gracious, especially with children.
Elmo, the titular character, is always learning lessons. Whether it be from Cookie Monster or Big Bird, or his “father”. Elmo is often the character who expresses the most emotion; for instance, he reacts to Mr. Noodles’ gags with joyous laughter, and Mr. Noodles is a grown man who is like a father to Elmo.
Grover, Grover represents curiosity, but another character who is like him is Super Grover. Super Grover is well, super, he looks like Grover, but he has more perseverance and confidence.
