The Giving Tree PDF – The book follows a relationship between a young boy and an apple tree. The tree is very “giving”. The boy grows into a “taking” teenager, then a middle-aged man, and finally an elderly man. Despite the fact that the boy ages in the story, the tree addresses the boy as “Boy” his entire life. At each stage of the boy’s life, the tree manages to selflessly give the boy exactly what he needs.
In his childhood, the boy enjoys playing with the tree, climbing her trunk, swinging from her branches, carving “Me + T (Tree)” into the bark, and eating her apples. However, as the boy grows older, he spends less time with the tree and tends to visit her only when he wants material items.
In an effort to make the boy happy at each of these stages, the tree gives him parts of herself. The boy transforms these items into material things for his own purpose. With every stage of giving, “the Tree was happy”.
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In the final pages, both the tree and the boy feel the sting of their respective “giving” and “taking” nature. When only a stump remains for the tree, she is not happy. The boy finally returns as a tired old man to meet the tree once more. She tells him she is sad because she cannot provide him shade, apples, or any materials like in the past. He ignores this and states that all he wants is “a quiet place to sit and rest,” which the tree could provide. With this final stage of giving, “the Tree was happy”.
Written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. First published in 1964 by Harper & Row, The Giving Tree (pdf) become one of Silverstein’s best-known titles and has been translated into numerous languages.
As good as this book is, it is unfortunate that it has stirred up so much controversy. The argument seems to be over whether the relationship between the boy and the tree can be considered positive, (the tree loves the boy unconditionally), or is this an abusive relationship? (the boy takes everything from the tree).
There have also been many interpretations of this wonderful story, including religious, environmental, mother-child relationships, and even satire.
