THE LORAX ASSIGNMENT

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1 THE LORAX ASSIGNMENT Anastasia Douglass SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Biology 1120

2 Comprehension Questions 1. The Truffula trees were valuable and scarce because their tufts were softer than silk. The trees also produced a sweet scent along with delicious, edible fruit. 2. The Once-ler chopped down the first Truffula tree in order to knit a Thneed, which he believed would be a necessity for all and a high-selling item. 3. A Thneed could be very useful for consumers, as it had many possible functions. Some of the functions the Once-ler suggested were various articles of clothing, carpeting, pillows, sheets, curtains, or even a bicycle seat cover. 4. Although the Lorax believed no one would want to purchase a Thneed, he was immediately proven wrong by the Once-ler s first customer. As time progressed, the Once-ler and his family obtained more and more business. 5. The Once-ler eventually invented the Super-Axe-Hacker, which could chop down four Truffula trees at a time. This allowed for faster production of Thneeds, which meant making more money in a shorter amount of time. 6. As the Truffula trees became more and more scarce, the Brown Bar-ba-loots no longer had food to eat and were prompted by the Lorax to move away. In addition, the smog created by the Once-ler s endeavors prevented the Swomee-Swans from singing and the pollution in the ponds forced the Humming Fish to search for a new home. 7. It was unwise for the Once-ler to chop down all of the trees. Firstly, the trees provided a beautiful home for several species and the elimination of the trees and the mass production of Thneeds forced these species to depart. Secondly, chopping

3 down all of the trees meant the Once-ler no longer had the resources to create Thneeds, forcing him to close his business. 8. Although all of the Truffula trees were chopped down in the story, this would not happen in the modern US economy for a few reasons. Trees are a very important natural resource for the production of several items not limited to paper, furniture, and building supplies. Wood is in high demand and in order to keep these items available, a significant supply of trees must also be available. Cutting down all the trees in the US would prevent further production of necessities that are used by Americans every day. Also, there are several parties and groups in the US who work to help prevent the overharvesting of trees. These groups specialize in conservation and often have large support groups that are able to persuade politicians to pass laws to protect plants and animals. 9. The overuse of natural resources seems to be a common theme. An example of why would be the necessity for jobs and income. The lumber industry is a huge industry in the US and harvesting this natural resource is a prime source of employment and money-making. As demands rise, more harvesting is promoted. As prices fluctuate and fall, even further harvesting is necessary in order for those who work in the lumber industry to support themselves and their families. 10. As a good, service, or natural resource becomes more and more scarce, its price rises. 11. At the beginning of the story, the Once-ler had absolutely no regard for the environment and only thought of the benefits he could reap from it. At the end of the story, the Once-ler stated he was deeply concerned and spent a great deal of time

4 worrying. The Once-ler even persuaded his listener to take the last Truffula seed and plant a whole forest of trees. Reflection Questions 1. Although the Once-ler and the Lorax were both passionate in their endeavors, only the Once-ler succeeded while the Lorax failed. The Once-ler proves that although passion is a valuable resource, it takes initiative, innovation, and drive in order to complete a task. The Once-ler didn t take the time to ask questions or even get permission for what he did; he took the initiative and acted upon an idea he knew he could profit from. The Lorax, however, only appeared to combat the Once-ler as deeds were done and negative results were seen. Instead of nipping the issues in the bud, the Lorax combatted the Once-ler only once things were too terrible to bear. He did not propose resolutions or attempt to compromise. He did not act with the drive and forcefulness the Once-ler exhibited. 2. The tricky thing about aesthetics is that they are based on personal preference. We see this every day when discussing the basics of human attraction. True, there are biological reasons behind the nature of attraction, but the beauty one person holds might not be valued or appreciated by everyone. It is a question of personal preference. On that note, people find certain things attractive for different reasons; not everyone values the same characteristics in another person for the same reasons. Although one could argue the beauty of a physical trait, an inanimate object, or an ocean view the reasoning behind those arguments may not appeal to all. On that note, I would argue that aesthetic appreciation and value can be taught

5 only to those with an open mind and who are willing to be persuaded. Those with narrow views are often unwilling to listen to an argument and take a lesson from it. Others with more open mindsets are usually more inclined to weigh an argument against their own and possibly learn or even change their opinions. 3. Near the end of the story, as the Lorax departs, he leaves one last message for the Once-ler that reads, Unless. At first, the message is unclear to the Once-ler, but in the end, it is revealed that the Lorax essentially meant that unless [someone] cares and takes action, damage will continue to ensue and possibly be irreversible. The message is that we, as members of the human species, must think outside of personal gain and conserve the natural world around us. It does not require a conservation biologist or environmental lobbyist to make a difference in the world. Conservation and the protection of our natural resources can be initiated within our own homes. Taking care not to waste product and reuse items can help prevent the overharvesting of natural resources. Recycling products that we do use so they can be converted into future products without the destruction of resources can reduce our carbon-footprint as well. Natural resources such as gas and water can be conserved by using public transportation and turning off the water while we brush our teeth. As small and menial as these things sound, the benefits can add up very quickly especially if everyone participates. 4. In the story, the Once-ler defends his actions by saying, If I didn t do it, someone else would. Although this seems to be a valid argument from his point of view, this type of thinking demonstrates a lack of awareness and responsibility. We often see that as one demon falls, another rises. This, however, does not justify immoral and

6 irresponsible actions. We all must be held accountable for our own actions, regardless of those around us. What the Once-ler did was irresponsible in the sense that it damaged a whole ecosystem and even prevented him from securing a longterm, stable business. In addition, his lack of ethical conduct was clearly demonstrated by the fact that he ignored the Truffula forests initial inhabitants and their concerns; he merely thought of personal gain. With action comes consequences and these consequences must be weighed against potential benefit at all times or else we are nothing more than slaves to greed. 5. When the Lorax introduced himself, he claimed to speak for the trees. Personally, this type of representation causes me to believe the Lorax is meant to symbolize an environmentalist or ecologist. Despite his bossy tone, the Lorax demonstrated empathy and respect for the natural world in his protests. He actedd not for himself, but for the beings around him without the ability to speak and defend themselves. At the end of the story, the Lorax gave the Once-ler a very sad and grave glance as he took his leave. His attitude was one of solemnity and perhaps mourning. The Lorax was not able to protect or prevent the destruction of the Truffula trees he spoke for. Perhaps, in his mourning, he felt a tinge of regret and shame for his lack of success.

The LORAX, by Dr. Seuss Reader s Theater, A Supplemental Material adapted for classroom use by Rose Mary F. Pinder

Cast Lorax Voices 1 & 2 Once-ler Voices 1, 2 & 3 Sound Effects Voice Narrators 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 All The LORAX, by Dr. Seuss Reader s Theater, A Supplemental Material adapted for classroom use by Rose Mary