| Moderator: We are met here today to discuss the significance of that well known story Horton Hears A Who, to dig beneath its deceptively simple surface and find the buried meaning beneath. With me today is Professor Cynthia Throgmorton of State University, political science teacher and author of The Right Wing Is Alive And Well. Next to her is Doctor C. R. Potts, noted psychologist and foremost expert in the field of abnormal behavior. On my immediate left is a former UFO abductee and the editor of Conspiracy Times, who prefers to be known simply as Eddy. Last, we have a preschool teacher, Bonnie Vincent.
All right, ladies and gentlemen. There are, of course, many different viewpoints of this work of genius. Let us start with Prof. Throgmorton on my far right, and each one can make an opening statement. |
Finding the buried meaning in Horton Hears a Who |
| Opening Statements | Prof: It's obvious to me that this is a story about right-wing politics. Horton, the symbol of this viewpoint, is willing to force his views on all comers and displays that particular patriarchal attitude which is so typical of right-wingers.
Potts: I disagree. Horton is a perfect example of an obsessive personality who has lost touch with reality. We see his fantasy get more and more elaborate as the story progresses. Eddy: I'd expect that from you, Potts. Horton represents those rejected by society because they have learned an inconvenient truth. We see society try to force him to give up his belief and his triumph over the mundanes. Bonnie: No, no, no! Horton is about the power of friendship, standing firm for what you know is right, and respecting the rights of all. Prof, Potts, Eddy: What a naïve viewpoint! |
| Moderator: Thank you ladies and gentleman. Now, it seems to me that the first significant event in the story is when Horton hears that first "Yelp." Who would like to respond to that?
Prof: This exactly proves my point. Horton is sitting all by himself in the middle of a precious natural resource. Eddy: He's just doing what comes naturally for an elephant! The point is, he's contacted by aliens and suddenly his worldview changes. Prof: Worldview, yes, exactly. His immediate reaction is that these Whos need his help, and he knows what is best for them. Potts: You are both assuming these so-called Whos are real and not a delusion on Horton's part, which, of course, they are. Bonnie: Horton is a friendly soul who only wants to help someone in trouble. |
First Significant Event of the Story |
| Other Animals' Reactions | Moderator: Okay, let's agree to disagree here, and move on to the other animals' reactions.
Potts: What reaction do you expect? Once they realize Horton's obsession with invisible, non-existent beings they try to talk him out of it. Eddy: Again, a typical reaction. Horton has knowledge he needs to share with the others and they reject him and label him crazy. Prof: I disagree. This is clearly a case where there are other points of view, but Horton will not listen. He has to get his own way. Bonnie: By Horton caring for the Whos in the face of ridicule, he proves his loyalty to his friends and the truth. These are important concepts for children. Prof, Potts, Eddy: Children? Ha! Prof: It is just after this that we see Horton's patriarchal tendencies most clearly: "'Should I put this speck down?…' Horton thought with alarm. /If I do, these small persons may come to great harm. /I can't put it down. And I won't! After all/A person's a person no matter how small." Notice his insistence that only he has the answer, and the emphasis on small. Bonnie: You've hit the very heart of the story here, but I can't agree with your interpretation! Horton believes all people deserve respect whatever their size. This is especially important to children. Potts: Children! It hardly seems right to teach children that delusions are acceptable behavior! Eddy: He's not delusional! He's trying to protect the source of his new knowledge until people are ready to hear it! Moderator: Okay, let's move on here, and see if we can't come to a…. Potts: Even you can't deny, "Eddy," that in the next few pages Horton's delusions grow ever more fantastic, until he thinks there is an entire town on his dust speck! You can't tell me that's the mark of a normal being. Eddy: So the aliens are small. So what? Prof: Exactly! The emphasis on size again! |
| Moderator: Ladies and gentlemen! Please. We have just another few minutes here. Would you please discuss the significance of the other animals finally hearing the Whos?
Bonnie: This is my favorite part, where we learn that everyone is important and no one is too small to be helpful. JoJo's added yell saves Horton and her own town at the same time. Eddy: It's encouraging to me, too, that someday there will be enough evidence and those of us labeled crazy will be recognized for the truth tellers we are. Like Horton, we will be let back into society, instead of being shunned. Prof: It's just another example of the intimidator twisting everyone else to his way of thinking. Of course adding one more tiny "Yopp" would not make any real difference, but Horton bullies the smaller animals into believing it. Potts: It shows his madness you mean. I find this a very troubling work. Bonnie: And my class and I think it is inspirational and fun. The children find Horton a very positive role model--and so do I. Prof, Potts, Eddy: Children! Ha! |
Hearing the Whos |
| Wrapup | Moderator: Well that's it for tonight, folks. Horton Hears a Who--does it glorify madness, represent the victory of the right wing, offer encouragement to those on the fringe, or it is simply a delightful children's story about friendship and loyalty? We hope today's presentation has helped you decide. |
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