Urania read from Wikipedia, “Elizabeth Bird, writing for the School Library Journal, described The Giving Tree as ‘one of the most divisive books in children’s literature’.”
I first saw The Giving Tree in my mid 20’s or so. Then, I mostly saw an unrealistically generous “tree” that didn’t know how to say no. And a child who grew up thinking the “same” tree would always be there. And always asking for more.
Now, about half a century later, I see a different view entirely! The “tree” represents people who choose to contribute to the stream of life. Offering what they have that may be of value. The child is a symbolic recipient of those who give. As time passes the giver’s contributions dwindle as do we. As the recipient makes his way in life, he learns that getting isn’t all that life offers.
I like the Churchillian quote. I certainly saw myself as that little boy. Right after graduating college, my father died. At the end of summer I moved here to Tallahassee for graduate school. My nearest relatives lived in central Florida and I knew no one here in Tallahassee. My living expenses came from an NIMH fellowship and a tuition waiver. $200 per month. Rent, groceries, utilities, books, general living expenses. 😱 A giving tree would have come in handy.
Growing up with expressions like “necessity is the mother of invention” and having worked my way through college, I understood tightening one’s belt. Along the way over the next 50 years, building our home and becoming a father provided a new context for life. And so much more.
Looking at all of that, the “not the same river/not the same man” stands out with much clarity. If I could just find that stump!
And this one from Mohamed Ali was in my inbox this morning: "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life."
I first saw The Giving Tree in my mid 20’s or so. Then, I mostly saw an unrealistically generous “tree” that didn’t know how to say no. And a child who grew up thinking the “same” tree would always be there. And always asking for more.
Now, about half a century later, I see a different view entirely! The “tree” represents people who choose to contribute to the stream of life. Offering what they have that may be of value. The child is a symbolic recipient of those who give. As time passes the giver’s contributions dwindle as do we. As the recipient makes his way in life, he learns that getting isn’t all that life offers.
Your current view reminds me of: We make a living by what we get, a life by what we give. Winston Churchill I believe.
I can see validity in all of the varying interpretations… what you see depends on where you choose to look?
I like the Churchillian quote. I certainly saw myself as that little boy. Right after graduating college, my father died. At the end of summer I moved here to Tallahassee for graduate school. My nearest relatives lived in central Florida and I knew no one here in Tallahassee. My living expenses came from an NIMH fellowship and a tuition waiver. $200 per month. Rent, groceries, utilities, books, general living expenses. 😱 A giving tree would have come in handy.
Growing up with expressions like “necessity is the mother of invention” and having worked my way through college, I understood tightening one’s belt. Along the way over the next 50 years, building our home and becoming a father provided a new context for life. And so much more.
Looking at all of that, the “not the same river/not the same man” stands out with much clarity. If I could just find that stump!
I am much confused by this book also. It made me sad when I read it. But indeed: I did think about it. And do still.
Weird book.
Good of you trying to find something beautiful in the face of weirdness.
It made me feel sad, too... and yet the stump was satisfied in the end. I'm not so sure about the old man?
Well... weirdness. Takes one to know one? 😂
Sign: “WHOEVER INVENTED ‘KNOCK-KNOCK’ JOKES SHOULD GET A NO-BELL PRIZE” 😁
Love the Churchill quote!
And this one from Mohamed Ali was in my inbox this morning: "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life."