The Lorax

Written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss

The reclusive Once-Ler lives in a dilapidated house in a dystopian wasteland. Visited by a young boy, the Once-Ler, capitalist to the end, charges the kid to tell his tale.

The Once-Ler is seen arriving at the verdant land in a covered wagon, manifest destiny style and promptly chops down a Truffula tree. Out of the stump pops the Lorax who introduces himself as the voice of the trees, since they have no tongues. The Lorax is fully in view but the Once-Ler and the only customer we see, remain faceless. Take from that what you will, my read is that we are all responsible.

Things get worse for the trees as the Once-ler’s business grows. The Lorax responds by pointing out what is obvious to everyone, but only he acknowledges it. The Once-ler replies to the first admonishment with a simple dismissal of the minor scope of his actions. In the end, the Once-Ler becomes combative telling the Lorax that it is his right to do as he pleases with the trees. The Lorax, ever vocal in protest but lacking in action, does nothing to stop this.

Finally, the last tree is cut and the Lorax, in a scary foreshadowing of Mars as our alternative planet, picks himself up by the back of his pants and lifts away through the clouds.

The Once-ler’s empire collapses and with the benefit of retrospection, fills with regret as he secludes himself in his rickety, bi-level home, to die, we suppose.

But, typically, he hands of the solution – and the work – off to the kid.

If you are a collector, cool past prints found here on Abe Books