The Lorax

Author: Dr. Seuss
Plot Summary: The Once-ler moves into the Lorax’s community and begins chopping down truffula trees in order to build a business of selling thneeds made from truffula tree tufts. This causes the destruction of the truffula trees and the loss of Bar-ba-loots, Swomee-Swans and Humming-Fish in the story.
Posted In: Ethics
Discussion Questions
  • Was the Once-ler responsible for the environmental destruction that ensued as a result of his decisions?
  • Does the fact that the Once-ler ultimately regrets his actions make him a better person?
  • What about the other members of the Once-ler family who worked in the business, and all the people who bought thneeds—were they all responsible for the destruction of the truffula trees and surrounding habitat?
  • When we purchase something, are we obligated to ask how it was made?
  • Were the thneeds “useful?”
  • Why do you think the Once-ler didn’t listen to the Lorax?
  • If you were the Once-ler would you have listened to the Lorax? Why or why not?
  • Do you think there was anything else the Lorax could have done to stop the Once-ler?
  • What does it mean to be greedy? Do you think the Once-ler was greedy?
  • What is the balance between creating things that make human life easier or more enjoyable, and caring for the environment in which we live?
  • What is our responsibility to the environment and to other species affected by human decisions?