The Giving Tree by
Shel Silverstein, 1964
I thought long and hard about this post, not because I
couldn’t think of my favorite children’s book but because I was afraid my
public discussion of it wouldn’t give its’ contents true justice. I am sure
this is a story all know well, but if you do not or cannot remember the message
please take 10 minutes to visit the link below and listen to Shel Silverstein
read the original version to you.
My initial passion for the love of childhood innocence
originated, unbeknownst to me, the first time I heard this story very young. As
I have grown, I have realized how disconnected I have become from what life is
truly about and I have worked very hard to regain that connection in my life.
Like all people, I need to work, pay bills and I too grow older. This
story reminds me of how one can take and take from nature and those who love us
to fulfill what we call is our destiny. It is a sad story, but doesn’t have to
be if we realize that we can change our outlook to become more like the tree
instead of the boy.
I chose to post this photo of my grandfather’s dog and me.
Although I do not remember this Siberian husky, I am told she followed me
everywhere. In this I am also exploring a dandelion and assume I am in
total awe of seeing it for what, maybe, the first time ever. Now, as I await
the birth of my first baby, I try to remember that children have all the
answers about life’s true importance, and it is I that will teach him to close
windows that he innately has open to become accustom to the world in which we
live. My hope is that I am able to teach him to keep those windows wide open
and to grow to be caring and giving like the tree.
Liz
Liz,
ReplyDeleteI remembering reading Shel Silverstein as a child. My favorite of his is "Where the Sidewalk Ends."I have to say that I had never heard of "The Giving Tree," but quickly looked it up. It has many interpretations and I was wondering what your take is on it?
Thanks for sharing
Darcie
Darcie,
DeleteI remember having all of Shel Silverstein's books as a child and loved them more than any other. I also have seen that many other people have great interpretations of The Giving Tree; however, for me I have the simplest idea of what it may mean. By watching the YouTube video clip where Shel Silverstein is reading the story, I believe one can hear how he interprets the message. I hear sadness later in the boy's comments and true happiness always represented by the tree. For me, I interpret the message to mean that one cannot buy happiness and it is in those who are around you that you love.
On the YouTube clip, a comment below mentions that there is a version of the book where the boy passes and is buried by the tree. It further states that through decomposition the boy can give back to the tree and the tree can potentially regrown. I have not seen or researched this version, because I love the original. But this message can go further into the depths of the circle of life. I honestly love the story because the meanings are endless and it is all about what the message that it gives to you and your child.