The Giving Tree Figurative Language

“Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.” The Giving Tree written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein is about a tree who cares so deeply for a young boy that she is willing to give him everything she can possibly offer regardless of the detriment that it causes her. Despite the book’s popularity among children and adults, the underlying meaning of the book is not positive. Through both Silverstein’s text and illustrations, the theme of an abusive relationship is conveyed, and the style mirrors many of his other writings. Silverstein utilizes elements of pronouns, repetition, and personification in The Giving Tree that each enhance the true nature of the relationship displayed. Immediately, the tree is depicted as a female; the pronouns “she” and “her” are used to describe it. In general, children trust women due to their maternal auras; the tree is a mother figure to the boy. The tree’s personification makes her a main character in the novel. She converses and plays with the boy, and she even has human emotions; each of these add to her selfless character. The repetition of phrases in the book show the transition from a healthy relationship to a negative one. As the boy ages, he is consistently described as staying away for a “long time.” The repetition emphasizes the way that the boy would wait long periods of time, before returning only when he needed something from the tree. The phrase “and the tree was happy” is repeated several times throughout …show more content…
Many of his writings do not portray happy endings, despite that he writes children’s literature. Where the Sidewalk Ends, comprised of various children’s poems, has been banned in many schools due to its possible hidden meanings of rebellion, suicide, death, and drug use. All of Silverstein’s books are illustrated in black and white with substantial use of white space, which reflects his plain