The Giving Tree

 

Feb 17, 2025

Dear listeners,

 

The Giving Tree is an inspiring story that applies to all ages. Written and illustrated in 1964 by Shel Silverstein, this book is timeless. Over 60 years, a lot has been said about this book, but it's timeless themes have kept it aloft. The Giving Tree is an irresistible bedtime story for everyone.

 

The Giving Tree\’s powerful plot is about the relationship between a boy and a tree, and the tree’s unconditional love for the boy. When the boy is young, he plays with the tree, and pretends to be king of the forest with a crown made from the leaves given to him by the tree. As the boy gets older, he starts to spend less and less time with the tree, making her lonely. One day when the boy comes back, the tree is very happy.  She only wants him to play. The boy says he is too old and cannot play, but he wants apples so he can make money. The tree gives him her apples. The boy disappears for a long time again, and the next time he comes back, he’s looking for a wife and a house, so the tree gives him her branches so he can build a house. The tree becomes so lonely and sad that when the boy comes back she can hardly speak. This time the boy wants a boat so he can sail away, so she gives him her trunk to build a boat. “The tree was happy but not really”(46). Many years later when the boy comes again, she tells him “I am sorry boy but I have nothing left to give”(47). He tells her that he is very tired and that all he needs now is a place to sit and rest. She tells him “old stumps are a good place to sit and rest.”(49) The story ends with the stump and the boy sitting together in peace.

 

One of the prevailing themes in The Giving Tree is that things do not give you happiness but people do. In the book, this is demonstrated when the tree is always looking for quality time with the boy, who on the other hand, is seeking happiness in worldly possessions. When the boy finally comes to the tree only looking for a place to rest, they are finally at peace and happy with each other. I think this theme is very important to the story because if the boy cared about the tree as much as she cared for him, it would be a whole different book. At the end of the story, the boy seems to appreciate the tree as a person and not just another thing. The boy realizes that happiness comes from relationships with others. I think that this is one of the most important themes because it speaks to everybody, and what we should be looking for in life.

 

Another amazing theme in The Giving Tree is to not be greedy. If the boy had been content with what he had, and had not kept asking the tree for more, he would have had a much happier life than the one he led. For example, if he had not taken the tree’s apples and gone into the city, he would have been able to stay with the tree and had a happier life. This theme is a very important lesson because if everybody in the world is always asking for more, there will be nothing left to give. This theme impacts me daily by emphasizing how important it is to be grateful.  If everybody was more grateful and appreciated what they had, the world would be a much happier and uplifting place.

 

Over the years, reviews of the book have varied from being a tender story about unconditional love, to being very negative because of thoughts that the story demonstrates an abusive relationship.  In fact, in 1988, The Giving Tree was banned in a Colorado public library because they claimed it was sexist and showcased a very selfish relationship. I see where they are coming from with the selfish relationship, but I just don’t see the book as sexist. Some may think of the story as an example of selfishness, but in my opinion, it is more of a learning lesson about unconditional love instead of selfishness. As for being sexist, many people say because the tree is female, the story shows a man abusing a woman and the woman not being able to stand up for herself. To me though, the story does not show a man abusing a woman, but rather it seems to represent more of a mother and son relationship. The tree is always providing for the boy giving him what he asked for so he can have a happy life. She plays games with him, looks after him and ultimately gives him everything that she is able to give of herself.  This to me is a story of a mother‘s love of her children rather than a sexist story about a man abusing a woman.

Overall, I think that  The Giving Tree is a great book, and I would rate it at 8 out of 10 because it could be a little less controversial, but it is still a great book for everyone. The Giving Tree has great themes and an amazing plot. Considering that it was written and illustrated by the same author, I think that gives it some more bonus points. My mom and I would read this book together every single night before bed. So if you are ever looking for a great bedtime story, The Giving Tree is one of the best.