Horton Hears a Who! Perseverance Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #1

"…I've got to protect them. I'm bigger than they."
So he plucked up the clover and hustled away. (45-46)

Horton's convinced from the very beginning that he has to do the right thing. He's such a good egg.

Quote #2

While Horton chased after, with groans, over stones
That tattered his toenails and battered his bones. (87-88)

Poor Horton's really getting beat up over this whole situation, but he's a fighter. He doesn't let the physical wear and tear get in the way.

Quote #3

"I'll find it!" Cried Horton. "I'll find it or bust!
I SHALL find my friends on my small speck of dust!" (103-104)

Even when faced with millions of clovers to search through (carefully, so as to not smush his friends), Horton carries on. Is that stupidity, or sheer bravery?

Quote #4

To the Mayor: "Don't give up! I believe in you all!
A person's a person, no matter how small! (168-169)

Tacked on to the mantra of the story is a good lesson for everyone: don't give up.

Quote #5

"We've GOT to make noises in greater amounts!
So open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!" (208-209)

The Mayor doesn't give up, even in the face of certain death. Instead, he calls upon the smallest member of the Who community to raise his voice.