Part of a team
The Kwuggerbug is self-serving and manipulative, taking advantage of Horton in order to get the beezlenuts for himself. However, because he was so selfish the Kwuggerbug ultimately misses out and ends up with no nuts when he could have had half.
Reward
Although Horton did the majority of the work to get to the beezlenut tree, the Kwuggerbug decides that he deserves most of the nuts. This is an ironic way of thinking, as Horton should really get more of the nuts for the work he has put in.
Loopholes
The Kwuggerbug keeps making Horton accountable for the deal they have made, reminding him of the deal when he is struggling. However, at the end of the story the Kwuggerbug himself does not stick to the deal, instead finding a loophole.
The deal
Horton is reluctant to continue as the bug puts unfair and unsafe obstacles in his path. Despite feeling that it is dangerous, Horton continues due to the fact he has made a deal. This is ironic, as in the end the deal is not a fair one, and Horton has done all the work for nothing.
