![]() ![]() I think the debate about The Giving Tree tells us, as writers, a couple of things. Or is it a commentary on our abuse of the environment? 2 Writing Lessons From The Giving Tree Maybe the story is a reflection of society's sexist view of the role of women at the time. Or a religious one: “I’m not even going to get into the biblical implications of Silverstein’s decision to make the tree of the book’s title apple-bearing,” one of the debaters wrote. Last September, The New York Times asked two writers to debate whether the book was a “tender story of unconditional love” or “a disturbing tale of monstrous selfishness.” But, as their responses revealed, the story has so many more interpretations than that.įor example, it may have a political message and serve “as a cautionary tale regarding both the social welfare state and the obscenity that is late-stage capitalism.” She saw the lesson as a warning to children not to take advantage of their parents. My friend, a new mother, had a different take. ![]() I said it was this: while unconditional love is a wonderful thing, if you give too much you may lose yourself completely. When my friend asked me about the book's lesson, the answer seemed glaringly obvious to me. What does The Giving Tree mean to you? What is the lesson that Shel Silverstein is trying to teach his readers? Share in the comments section! Interpretations of The Giving Tree ![]()
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