Which was of course very good for the tree. I'm referring to the "The Giving Tree" written by Shel Silverstein. Growing up I actually had two copies of this book, because my dad had bought me a copy and so had my mom. Over the years I think I lost one because now I only have one copy but today I just wanted to talk about it. While it seems to me that I might have personally enjoyed another story by Silverstein, such as "The Missing Piece" or "Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back" better than "The Giving Tree" I certainly understood it's message.
Basically the story of "The Giving Tree" is that where a little boy and a tree are best friends and they do everything together, such as swinging from branches, eating apples and lounging in the shade and the tree is just happy to have a friend. When he's a young adult he no longer needs those things, he needs money now and so the tree gives him his apples to go and sell to make money. Long story short the boy is constantly taking things from the tree to support himself and when the tree thinks it's left with nothing until the old man version of the boy returns to just sit quietly, because of course we all know that's what old people do.
As nice as this story is we need to analyze it a little. Where was this boy's parents? And why is it he talked to the tree instead of going to college to make career? Yes it's a kids story, but seriously I don't want my child to think that everything is going to be given to them. I want them to be happy AND independent. The Giving Tree is a symbol of how your parents will unconditionally give their child anything they ask for and never ask anything in return. Well it might sound dark, but I dare you to try to find a parent that doesn't want their kid to take care of them in their golden years. Does this mean that The Giving Tree should have ended with the old man planting the seeds of the "stump?" Well maybe not because that could lead to an awkward sexual relationship, but they could have worked with it.
Basically the story of "The Giving Tree" is that where a little boy and a tree are best friends and they do everything together, such as swinging from branches, eating apples and lounging in the shade and the tree is just happy to have a friend. When he's a young adult he no longer needs those things, he needs money now and so the tree gives him his apples to go and sell to make money. Long story short the boy is constantly taking things from the tree to support himself and when the tree thinks it's left with nothing until the old man version of the boy returns to just sit quietly, because of course we all know that's what old people do.
As nice as this story is we need to analyze it a little. Where was this boy's parents? And why is it he talked to the tree instead of going to college to make career? Yes it's a kids story, but seriously I don't want my child to think that everything is going to be given to them. I want them to be happy AND independent. The Giving Tree is a symbol of how your parents will unconditionally give their child anything they ask for and never ask anything in return. Well it might sound dark, but I dare you to try to find a parent that doesn't want their kid to take care of them in their golden years. Does this mean that The Giving Tree should have ended with the old man planting the seeds of the "stump?" Well maybe not because that could lead to an awkward sexual relationship, but they could have worked with it.
I loved that book. It made me think about friendship, and giving things back because that's what friends do, even if the story was taken to the extreme. And it's a good explanation of what love is, and why people need friends sometimes.
ReplyDeleteBut yeah, independent kids are good. And that last line made me grin very hard, and now my face hurts.
I originally had a lot to say about this topic but unfortunately things came up and after a while I just wanted it posted. Maybe if I remember some things I'll add them to the post. Also if there's any life issues or real things that you'd like me to talk about, here would be the place to suggest them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing me back to my childhood. I feel that the story is a prime example of how much people just don’t give back. It was nice that the man sat on the stump through his last days, but he never once gave something back to the tree. I agree that the seed would have been perfect. The message should be that giving is just as important as receiving, and that more oftentimes than not, is essential to the soul. Great blog B, keep it up!
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