How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
"I will call you by Whisper-ma-Phone,
for the secrets I tell are for your ears alone. (42-43)
Everybody loves a secret! But by the end of the story, it seems like maybe this shouldn't be so secretive after all…
Quote #2
"Now I'll tell you," he says, with his teeth sounding gray,
"how the Lorax got lifted and taken away…" (51-52)
Dr. Seuss chooses his words wisely to let us know that the Once-ler is, ahem, no longer young. And the Once-ler also has a way with words. Since we've read the story, we know that the Lorax lifts himself and takes himself away—but the Once-ler uses the passive voice to make things sound even eerier than they are. He's learned a thing or two about storytelling since back in the day.
Quote #3
The Lorax said,
"Sir! You are crazy with greed.
There is no one on earth
who would buy that fool Thneed. (109-12)
The Lorax could learn a lesson or two in diplomacy. Dissing the Thneed like this isn't winning him points with the Once-ler.
Quote #4
I rushed cross the room, and in no time at all,
built a radio-phone. I put in a quick call.
I called all my brothers and uncles and aunts
and I said, "Listen here! Here's a wonderful chance ..." (123-26)
We wish we could quote an illustration because this one is just plain cool. Check out the Once-ler's desk! And his tools! Pure wackiness.
Quote #5
"'UNLESS.'
Whatever that meant, well, I just couldn't guess."
[…]
"But now," says the Once-ler,
"Now that you're here,
the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear." (235-36, 45-47)
Wow. What an incredible moment in communication history. Maybe this is the first time the Once-ler has ever told his secrets, or maybe there's just something special about the way the boy listens. Either way, communication saves the day.