Peighton Corley

A3
In Dr. Seusss The Lorax, under all of the rhyme schemes and colorful illustrations there
is a powerful message being sent the audience, which is generally children. There are many
allusions in the book that parallel issues that were going on at the time that the book was written,
and even thought the book was written a few decades ago, the problems discussed are still
politically relevant. The general theme of the book was how capitalism and greed lead to
environmental destruction as well as the destruction of the minorities surrounding the capitalist
system.
There are many examples of how the capitalist system is corrupt and destructive in our
own society. The most obvious example, which relates to the environmental issues that are very
prominent in the book is the cutting down of the rain forest. Millions of trees are being cut down
at the expense of environment. The trees, like in the story, are homes to many different kinds of
animals. It is all for the progress of business. However, the message of it taking people to
care an awful lot reigns true as well. There have been many efforts by people to stop the
cutting down of the rain forest. These people have done a formidable job considering the
publicity that the topic gets, which has led to efforts to stop the destruction of this habitat.

Another example of how The Lorax parallels actual society is how the minority is
oppressed when greedy capitalists take over. In the book, before the Oncerler starts making his
sneeds, there is a happy and diverse community. Once the Onceler starts expanding his business
he ruins the environment in which they live. The inhabitants of the once peaceful land are forced
to move away. This is much like how corporations take over small towns and poison the
community. Corporations, using urbanized cities as the prime example, run down the cities and
bring nothing but destruction of the community.

Finally, this book is relevant because it says that one person who cares can make a big
difference. This is a very important message to give the generation coming up who has to fix the
mess the generation before made. There are a lot of things that people can change when they put
their mind to it, and it is a perfect way to end the book; with a positive message of hope.