gine what a scary creature could be the cause of all this destruction. But the hands are significant for a number of other reasons. The Once-ler's hands are always busy, always manipulating, and never simply lying idle. In the 70's when this book was written industry and work with the hands were highly regarded by Americans. The Once-ler's hands have disregard for everything they touch with the exception of money. It is important that the last Truffula Tree seed is placed in the boy's hands because the Once-lers hands have only brought destruction. The job of restoring the Truffula Trees is not an easy task for the boy. The Once-ler's name implies that he uses things only once and it also suggests that once upon a time things were better. The degree of destruction slowly worsens and worsens throughout the book. When the Once-ler first arrives he calls it a glorious place and it evokes images of paradise. He starts of the story telling the boy, " Way back in the days when the grass was still green/ and the pond was still wet/ and the clouds were still clean." By the end of the story it is a dark and deserted town " where only grickle grass grows" Darker shades of blue, green, and violet are the colors of the destroyed landscape; while bright yellows, pinks, and shades of green were the colors of the landscaped prior to the Once-lers arrival. In the end, the boy is responsible for resurrection of the Truffula Tree forest. It wasn't by chance that a boy was entrusted with saving the environment. This is a message to young readers that it is children who can save the world and make the future a better place. The boy receives the Truffula seeds and is put into action. Dr. Seuss undoubtedly hoped that kids who read the Lorax would be see this and take action on half of the environment. Planting seeds is a small gesture and it is something that children can accomplish. It stands as a simple way to restore a dam...
