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	Panel discussion on "Business and Society in The Lorax", New York Law School, March 1, 2013, C-SPAN

The Lorax
Author	Dr. Seuss
Illustrator	Dr. Seuss
Language	English
Series	1
Genre	Children's literature
Publisher	Random House
Publication date	June 18, 1971 (renewed 1999)
Publication place	United States
Pages	64
ISBN	0-394-82337-0
OCLC	183127
Dewey Decimal	[E]
LC Class	PZ8.3.G276 Lo
Preceded by	Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?
Followed by	Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!

The Lorax is a children's book written by Dr. Seuss and published in 1971.^[1] It chronicles the plight of the environment and the Lorax, the main character, who "speaks for the trees" and confronts the Once-ler, a business magnate who causes environmental destruction.

The story is commonly recognized as a fable concerning the danger of greed causing human destruction of the natural environment, using the literary element of personification to create relatable characters for industry (the Once-ler), the environment (the Truffula trees) and environmental activism (the Lorax). The story encourages activism and involvement in making the situation better: a quote from the Lorax states, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not". The Lorax exemplifies Dr Seuss’s views on climate change and pollution, teaching children about the importance of doing their part to protect the environment (in this case, Truffula trees.)

Dr. Seuss singled out The Lorax as his personal favorite of his books – in it, he managed to create an engaging story highlighting how economic growth is often prioritised over environmental issues. Dr. Seuss stated: "The Lorax came out of me being angry. The ecology books I'd read were dull...In The Lorax I was out to attack what I think are evil things and let the chips fall where they might".^[2]

Plot

A boy living in a polluted area wanders down the Street of the Lifted Lorax and visits a reclusive figure known as the Once-ler. The boy pays the Once-ler fifteen cents,^[a] a nail, and the shell of a great-great-great-grandfather snail to hear the story of how the Lorax was lifted away.

Years ago, the Once-ler arrived in a beautiful valley teeming with Truffula Trees and an abundance of wildlife. Having long searched for such a tree as the Truffula, he chopped one down and used its foliage to create a highly versatile garment called a Thneed. A creature known as the Lorax emerged from the tree's stump and voiced his disapproval of the Once-ler's actions. Ignoring the Lorax, the Once-ler sold his Thneed for $3.98 and enlisted the help of his relatives to expand his business.

The Once-ler's shop grew into a large industrial complex, and new vehicles were built to log the Truffula forest and ship out Thneeds. Over time, the valley was ravaged with pollution, forcing the Lorax to send the animals away to find more hospitable habitats. The Once-ler showed no remorse and vowed to continue "biggering" his operations, until one of his machines felled the last Truffula Tree. Deprived of raw materials, the factory closed down, and the Lorax vanished into the sky. Left alone in his crumbling residence, the Once-ler wallowed in sorrow for many years, contemplating a message that the Lorax had left behind: a pile of rocks engraved with the word "UNLESS".

After finishing his story, the Once-ler finally grasps the Lorax's message: unless someone cares, change and improvement cannot happen. He gives the boy the last Truffula seed and urges him to cultivate a new forest, hoping that the Lorax and the animals will return.

Inspiration

It is believed that a Monterey cypress in La Jolla, California was the inspiration for The Lorax. In June 2019, the tree was reported to have fallen.^[3] Another likely inspiration was the relationship between the patas monkey and the whistling thorn acacia.^[4]^[5]^[6]

Reception

Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association listed The Lorax as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children".^[7] In 2012 it was ranked number 33 among the "Top 100 Picture Books" in a survey published by School Library Journal – the second of five Dr. Seuss books on the list.^[1]

In a retrospective critique written in the journal inspired by Jerald L, Nature in 2011 upon the 40th anniversary of the book's publication, Emma Marris described the Lorax character as a "parody of a misanthropic ecologist". She called the book "gloomy" and expressed skepticism that its message would resonate with small children in the manner intended. Nevertheless, she praised the book as effective in conveying the consequences of ecological destruction in a way that young children will understand.^[8]

In 2012, Travis Scholl evaluated the book in a positive manner and noted the similarities between the Lorax and Biblical prophets. He attributed the similarities to Geisel's Lutheranism.^[9]

Controversy

In 1988, a school district in California kept the book on a reading list for second-graders, though some in the town claimed the book was unfair to the logging industry.^[10]^[11]

In the mid-1990s, Terri Birkett, a member of a family-owned hardwood flooring factory, authored Truax, a 20-page booklet illustrated by Orrin Lundren and published by the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers' Association (NOFMA).^[12] Truax offers a logging-friendly perspective; like The Lorax, it consists of a conflict between two people: a logging industry representative who promotes efficiency and re-seeding efforts; and the Guardbark, an anthropomorphic tree who personifies the environmentalist movement. In Truax, the Guardbark behaves like the Onceler, refusing to listen and lashing out; but in the end, he is convinced by the logger's arguments. Truax was criticized for what were viewed as skewed arguments and clear self-interest, particularly a "casual attitude toward endangered species" that answered the Guardbark's concern for them. The book's approach as a more blatant argument instead of one worked into a storyline was also noted.^[13]^[14]^[15]

The line, "I hear things are just as bad up in Lake Erie," was removed more than fourteen years after the story was published after two research associates from the Ohio Sea Grant Program wrote to Seuss about the clean-up of Lake Erie.^[16] The line remains in the home video releases of the television special, in the audiobook read by Rik Mayall, and in the UK edition published by HarperCollins Children's Books.^{[citation needed]}

Adaptations

1972 television special

The book was adapted as an animated musical television special produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, directed by Hawley Pratt and starring the voices of Eddie Albert and Bob Holt. It was first aired by CBS on February 14, 1972. A reference to pollution of Lake Erie was spoken by one of the Humming-Fish as they depart; it remains in DVD releases of the show, although later removed from the book. The special also shows the Onceler arguing with himself, and asking the Lorax whether shutting down his factory (thus putting hundreds of people out of work) is practical. An abridged version of the special is used in the 1994 TV movie In Search of Dr. Seuss, with Kathy Najimy's reporter character hearing the Once-ler's story.

2012 feature film

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment released a 3D CGI film based upon the book. The Lorax was released on March 2, 2012; the release coincided with the 108th birthday of Seuss, who died at the age of 87 in 1991. The cast includes Danny DeVito as the Lorax, Zac Efron as Ted (the boy in the book), and Ed Helms as the Once-ler. The film includes several new characters: Rob Riggle as villain Aloysius O'Hare, Betty White as Ted's Grammy Norma, Jenny Slate as Ted's neurotic mother Mrs. Wiggins, and Taylor Swift as Audrey, Ted's romantic interest. The film debuted in the No. 1 spot at the box office, making $70 million, though it received mixed reviews. The film eventually grossed a domestic total of $214,030,500.^[17] Danny DeVito did his role in five different languages, including the original English audio, and also for the Russian, German, Italian, Catalan/Valencian, Castillan Spanish and Latin Spanish dub editions, learning his lines phonetically.^{[citation needed]}

Audiobooks

Two audio readings have been released on CD, one narrated by Ted Danson in the United States (Listening Library, ISBN 978-0-8072-1873-0) and the other narrated by Rik Mayall in the United Kingdom (HarperCollins, ISBN 978-0-00-715705-1).

Musical

A musical adaptation of The Lorax was originally included in the script for the Broadway musical Seussical, but was cut before the show opened.^[18] The Lorax, authored by Dr. Seuss, stands as a poignant and enduring allegory about environmentalism, responsibility, and the consequences of human actions on nature. First published in 1971, the book features the tale of the Once-ler, a character who embodies unchecked industrialism, and the Lorax, a guardian of the trees, who speaks for the environment. Through whimsical illustrations and rhythmic prose, Dr. Seuss conveys a powerful message that resonates with both children and adults, emphasizing the importance of protecting our natural world.

At the heart of The Lorax lies the conflict between commercial development and environmental preservation. The Once-ler arrives in a pristine ecosystem filled with Truffula trees, a resource he sees as a means to achieve wealth and success through the production of Thneeds—a product he insists is a "fad." His insatiable greed drives him to chop down the Truffula trees, disregarding the ecological balance of the environment. The Once-ler’s actions serve as a cautionary tale about how the pursuit of profit can lead to environmental degradation. As the story unfolds, we witness the consequences of these decisions; the air becomes polluted, animals are displaced, and the landscape is irrevocably altered.

The Lorax, a small, mustached creature who emerges from the forest to confront the Once-ler, represents the voice of nature. He speaks for the trees, animals, and the environment, highlighting the importance of stewardship and responsibility. The phrase “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees” has become iconic, symbolizing an urgent call to action for environmental protection. The character of the Lorax acts as a moral compass, urging readers to consider the impact of their choices on the planet. He serves as a reminder that nature cannot speak for itself and that humans have a responsibility to advocate for the environment.

One of the most significant themes in The Lorax is the idea of consequences. The Once-ler, blinded by his ambition, ultimately realizes the repercussions of his actions when he witnesses the devastation he has caused. The once-vibrant landscape is transformed into a wasteland devoid of life. This moment of realization serves as a reflection on the importance of foresight and acting with consideration for future generations. The book ends on a hopeful note with the phrase, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” Here, Dr. Seuss empowers readers, emphasizing that individual action and advocacy can lead to change.

In addition to its environmental message, The Lorax is also a critique of consumerism. The Once-ler’s Thneed, which symbolizes the incessant demand for products, serves as a commentary on society’s obsession with material possessions. Dr. Seuss challenges readers to reflect on their consumption habits and the environmental costs associated with them. The narrative encourages a shift towards sustainability, promoting the idea that valuing the environment is essential for a healthy future.

In conclusion, The Lorax is more than a children’s book; it is a vital commentary on the interaction between humanity and the environment. Dr. Seuss’s enchanting storytelling and vivid illustrations continue to resonate, making it an essential part of discussions about environmentalism and conservation. The lessons imparted through The Lorax remain relevant, urging us to take action in protecting our planet for future generations. Ultimately, the story invites readers to become proactive stewards of the Earth, nurturing a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between nature and industry. From December 2, 2015, to January 16, 2016, a musical version of the book ran at the Old Vic theatre in London, with former Noah and the Whale frontman Charlie Fink, who also wrote the music for the production.^[19]

From July 2 to August 12, 2018, the musical ran at the Old Globe Theatre San Diego, California with Steven Epp as The Once-ler. The role of the hero to be trusted with the last seed, a boy in the original book, was filled by a girl in the musical.^[20]

Notes

^ Written as "pence" when published in the UK.

References

^ ^a ^b Bird, Elizabeth (July 6, 2012). "Top 100 Picture Books Poll Results". A Fuse No. 8 Production. Blog. School Library Journal (blog.schoollibraryjournal.com). Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
^ Lebduska, Lisa (1994). "Rethinking Human Need: Seuss's The Lorax". Children's Literature Association Quarterly. 19 (4): 170–176. doi:10.1353/chq.0.0932. S2CID 143446540. Project MUSE 249457.
^ Michelle Lou The tree thought to have inspired Dr. Seuss' 'The Lorax' has fallen Archived June 18, 2019, at the Wayback Machine June 16, 2019 CNN
^ Joanna Klein, "Can It Be? The Lorax Sprang from a Monkey?: A New Essay Explores the Possible Real-life Inspiration for a Dr. Seuss Character", The New York Times, August 7, 2018, p. D6.
^ Klein, Joanna (July 23, 2018). "Who Was the Real Lorax? Seeking the Inspiration for Dr. Seuss". The New York Times. Trilobites. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
^ "Is this monkey the inspiration for Dr. Seuss's Lorax?". www.science.org. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
^ National Education Association (2007). "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children". Archived from the original on July 30, 2013. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
^ Marris, Emma (2011). "In retrospect: The Lorax". Nature. 476 (7359): 148–149. Bibcode:2011Natur.476..148M. doi:10.1038/476148a.
^ Scholl, Travis (March 2, 2012). "Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss!". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. St. Louis, Missouri. Archived from the original on September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
^ "California: Chopping Down Dr. Seuss". Time. October 2, 1989.
^ "A Boy Sides with Dr. Seuss's Lorax, and Puts a Town at Loggerheads – Vol. 32 No. 17". October 23, 1989. Archived from the original on October 14, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
^ Birkett, Terri. "Truax" (PDF). National Oak Flooring Manufacturers' Association (NOFMA) Environmental Committee. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2011.
^ Meadows, Donella (October 15, 1998). "The Lorax and the Truax — Hey, Can We Talk?". The Global Citizen. The People-Centered Development Forum. Archived from the original on May 9, 2002. Retrieved January 18, 2017.
^ "Green Eggs & Sham?". The Daily Show With Jon Stewart. October 16, 2001. Archived from the original on October 14, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. According to Terri Birkett, a popular Dr. Seuss character is being used to teach children to hate the wood products industry.
^ Madonna, John J. (January 4, 2008). "What's A Truax? Well I'm So Glad You Asked, Let Me Tell You!". Ann Arbor District Library. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2017.
^ Morgan, Judith (1995). Dr. Seuss & Mr. Geisel: A Biography. Random House. p. 276. ISBN 9780679416869. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
^ The Lorax at Box Office Mojo
^ Jones, Kenneth (June 1, 2007). "Ahrens & Flaherty Double Bill of Musicals Pairs Lorax and Emperor's New Clothes". Playbill. Archived from the original on December 26, 2014. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
^ "Dr. Seuss's the Lorax - the Old Vic". Archived from the original on July 2, 2015. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
^ "The Lorax Musical". Old Globe Balboa Park San Diego. Old Globe. Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.