Shel Silverstien's The Giving Tree

Could you imagine a world where a tree gives you whatever you need or want? In the book the Giving Tree, Shel Silverstien, the author, writes about a boy and his relationship with a tree. The two started to be friends when the boy was little. The tree has a personality and wants the boy to be happy. Shel Silverstien uses personification by treating the tree in the story as a mother figure to the boy.

In the beginning of the story the boy is happy with what the tree offers. He plays with the branches, the leaves and eats the apples. The tree is pleased when the boy is happy. The tree loves the boy and the boy loves the tree. The story tells us about many things the tree provides to the boy. This shows us she cares for him and wants to protect him like a mother would. For example, when the boy was tired he would sleep in the shade of the tree. Sleeping in the shade of the tree when the boys was tired is like when your mom takes you to bed to make sure you get your rest. The boy and the tree had lots of fun when the boy was young and as he grew up he changed.

As the boy got older he was spoiled. He …show more content…
When the boy comes back to the tree he talks about the things he can no longer do. The boy also seems less concerned with material things. In the story the boy says he is too tired to climb the tree and too tired to swing from the branches. The tree also seemed older and happy to just sit and rest with the boy. The activities and needs of the tree and boy change but the love of the tree for the boy does not. In the Giving Tree the tree character cares for the boy and wants him to be happy. The tree gives the boy food, fun, and shelter, a boat and love. No matter how many times the boy took something and left she was always happy to see him. The boy always comes back to the tree. Would you like it if someone takes everything they need and leaves and only comes back to ask for more? I