How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
"Toodle-oo!" sang out Mayzie and fluttered away. (31)
In non-anthropomorphized birds, the instinct to sit on the egg until it hatches would probably override the desire to fly the coop; few things can pry a real bird from her egg.
Quote #2
But Mayzie, by this time, was far beyond reach,
Enjoying the sunshine way off in Palm Beach,
And having such fun, such a wonderful rest,
Decided she'd NEVER go back to her nest. (57-60)
The capitalized "NEVER" turns Mayzie's hiatus into a permanent vacation. Even though we can all relate to her love of fun and sun, we can't help taking this abandonment personally. For a minute, we all feel like the abandoned egg. Way to play to our insecurities, Seuss.
Quote #3
They laughed and they laughed. Then they all ran away.
And Horton was lonely. He wanted to play. (84-85)
Mayzie isn't the only animal in the jungle with abandonment fever. Horton's so-called friends are no better. When Horton is most in need of their help—or at least a little moral support—they mock him and leave him to suffer in isolation.