MicheleAug 26, 2013 05:05PM0 votes
I think that the moral of the story is that the boy/man who took and took and took his entire life was never satisfied, but the tree who gave everything she had was happy in the end.
S.W.Aug 27, 2013 08:05PM0 votes
The Earth still loves us, even when we kill it with our greed.
It's better to give than to receive.
Happiness demands sacrifice for those we love.
Altruism is the righteous path to salvation.
Even a dead stump has a purpose.
Trees are very useful.
Korin(last editedAug 28, 2013 02:03PM)Aug 28, 2013 11:08AM0 votes
I got two....
1. This is what unconditional motherly love looks like (awww!)
2. This is also what a toxic co-dependent relationship looks like. (yikes!)
it's all in the perspective I guess.
EvaNov 20, 2013 10:19PM0 votes
I never liked it, not as a kid, not now. Ungrateful kid, martyred tree. I like lots of his other stuff.
Jane(last editedJan 22, 2015 06:01PM)Jan 22, 2015 05:59PM0 votes
Give all that you can afford, take only what you need.
The tree gave more than it could afford, the boy took more than he needed. Both based their insensible actions on love, and both suffered the consequences of their poor choices.
Many like to view the tree as representative of parents; unconditional love, martyrish devotion, loyal. The Giving Tree does not glorify the "parent" tree, but instead illustrates the fault in giving to the point of crippling the boy and rendering itself useless. As a child, the boy cannot be blamed for his greed. But as a older boy and man, he is clearly stunted and selfish, for which he is to blame. In the end the loving relationship is sacrificed by the actions claimed to be made out of love.
It's a familiar story.
Give all that you can afford, take only what you need.
LeeLeeFeb 04, 2018 03:31PM0 votes
Give and give and give, until it actually removes everything unique and special about you, then give again until you are dead. That is the moral I got out of this book. Oh, and never be appreciated for any of your giving ways. And it will not be reciprocated, not one teeny drop. Just more take take take from the object of your affection. And your giving will be looked upon by sentimental readers as "love" or motherhood, or some kind of nobel sacrifice.
I cannot believe that one reviewer said "even a stump can be useful." Well, yeah, but a stump is first and foremost a DEAD tree. No one wants to be dead as a result of the rigors of love or from the demands of parenting (whether literally dead, or symbolically having a deceased self-identity or dead soul because the other's constant selfish taking just slayed you).
This book makes me think of the sexist notion that women should anihilate their own identities in order to "sacrifice" for their children. It really is dreadful. I wish no children ever were exposed to it. I knew it when I was six years old, when I read this and found it extremely depressing, and I know it even more now.
SarahNov 20, 2013 08:58PM0 votes
Patty and Linda, I agree. It's a societal problem now. Hated this book, but loved Shel Silverstein's poems.
KerryAug 28, 2013 01:04PM0 votes
For better or worse, you have to work with what life brings you. Hope you're not a tree.
LindaSep 17, 2013 06:10PM0 votes
Worst book ever. Selfish child sucking life out of the parent..parent giving and giving but never enough...until nothing is left. Ugh!! Lesson here is gimme gimme! I know I am in the minority, but this was my reaction the first time I read this book. And my opinion has not changed...:) and I generally really like Shel Silverstein...but this..not so much.
MikeOct 06, 2014 06:04PM0 votes
The tree represented a loving parent that willing to give to her child no matter what
Mrs. PFeb 06, 2015 09:15PM0 votes
I am so glad to see that other people see the book as I do! I see selfishness and greed from the boy. The tree wants love and gives totally of himself to someone who only takes and takes and takes.
MaryJan 20, 2015 04:08PM0 votes
I guess it would be what a friend should be and to what extent it can go
WhitneyFeb 16, 2014 02:32PM0 votes
Sometimes you can get as much out of giving as you do taking. The boy is used to always taking and never giving anything to the tree and he is unhappy. The tree is always giving, and that is what makes her happy.
A.sJan 09, 2014 02:50PM0 votes
most people take kindness for granted
but they are ones who will regret more
GstolardFeb 09, 2015 10:45AM0 votes
To me the moral of this books is about giving. In life some people will give and some will take. If you give freely then you can be happy in your gift, even if the last gift is your life.
Claire8888Aug 10, 2020 06:26PM0 votes
No moral for me - just a reminder that life is finite, make of it what you will....
JanisFeb 15, 2014 08:45PM0 votes
This book was about a tree who was happy when the boy was in his presence. As long as the boy was in his presence , even if he was taking from him, the tree was happy. In the end, the boy ended up giving back to the tree by sitting and resting on him, in his presence.
The moral is, the best thing you can offer and give to a loved one is your time.
JackieFeb 16, 2014 06:31PM0 votes
We never recognize the people who love us most. We tend to take them for granted.
StaceyJun 26, 2014 08:16AM0 votes
I think is a metaphor of the parent/child relationship. That being a parent is always giving. Even when you should have stop your are always giving of your self and you should expect nothing in return. I do not think this accurately reflects all parent/child relationships, but when you continue to take without giving in return you most likely end up unhappy.
Dramapuppy(last editedAug 25, 2014 03:36PM)Jun 26, 2014 07:58AM0 votes
I kind of hate this book. I believe it represents parent and child. The child loved the tree who supported him and was always around the tree when he was young. When he grew up he only talked to it when he needed a favor.
However, I feel the whole thing was kind of offense to children, assuming that they will never talk to their parents to just talk. Teacher would always read it aloud in school and children love it. I just find that kind of creepy.
JoniApr 05, 2017 02:53PM0 votes
A great lesson in why not to give blindly, and not love a person who is bad for you. Great discussion with my kids about it. They learned what manipulation can look like.
AdrienneSep 14, 2013 05:22PM0 votes
My aunts were just talking about this book. They had always loved it but now were thinking that no one should be that into someone else. I think they are on to something. I always loved it as a child, but I bet very few readers identify with the tree but find it comforting from the kid's POV.
Alma QAug 28, 2013 11:32AM0 votes
Relationships may kill you, but if they do, your death is not for nothing.
Most people don't know what they need in order to become happy. You may help them if you do. (The tree tried but it took a while before the boy listened. A while too long, maybe.)
Bad things happen. Find a way to go on, anyway.
If you start something, be sure you either stop before you will be sorry, or don't stop at all.
DannielleFeb 09, 2015 07:26PM0 votes
I love all the different ways to interpret this book. I think there are many valuable points. Yes you can look at this as an abusive relationship with a "child" that always takes and a "parent" who always gives, however throughout our lives we will often be the giver because it was our choice to do so. Many will also go through selfish periods during our life and then eventually we realize the value of simply spending time with our family. This is beautifully represented at the end of the book when the boy just simply wants to rest with the tree. I hope that if someone doesn't wholeheartedly want to give everything they have to a loved one then they should just say no!
CherylFeb 18, 2014 07:47AM0 votes
It was read to me in 4th grade. My thought was "I don't want to be either of these characters."
BrigitteJan 23, 2018 08:04AM0 votes
The Giving Tree has a really great moral to the story. This story is sad, touching, and kind of get's you thinking about what you are grateful for, and if I ever ask for to much. The length of the book is perfect, the layout on how the sentences are broken down keeps you engaged. I would recommend this book to parents to read to children when they want to imply this moral to their kids. I loved the book!
kayFeb 07, 2014 10:01AM0 votes
I hate this book!!! IT IS SO SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
E(last editedJul 30, 2014 12:12PM)Jul 30, 2014 12:11PM0 votes
In a cynical way, I think it's about the greed of man. I know that most people want to interpret it as true parental love, but honestly, I think that the boy was too deluded and selfish to realize that he had a wonderful life right there with the tree.
I think it says something about how people take advantage of the kind, but I wouldn't go quite that far. I can see that the Giving Tree really is a good, maternal character, but her boy moves away and becomes more distant and wanting. He has some subconscious attachment to the tree, so he assumes that he can get all of his help from her. But I haven't studied psychology (yet) so I can't honestly say that that's quite it.
Still, it's a very sad story. I feel sorry for the tree. That kid was going to run himself into the ground anyway, with or without the help of a loving mother-figure.
This book, I conclude, makes me angry and sad at the same time.
Lividly furious.
Very, very sad.
PattySep 08, 2013 09:32PM0 votes
Korin and Sltartt - you both have my vote. When I first read this (while in college) I thought it was unconditional - "I would die for you" - love. My perspective has changed with time.
ValorieFeb 17, 2014 01:42AM0 votes
I read it as a child and realized I was too much like the boy and should be more like the tree or at least be more grateful for all the wonderful and useful things I had because of other people and the earth.
I don't know how anyone could read it and be like "ya I'll be like the boy and just take take take" or "I'll be like the tree and give to selfish people until it kills me" Kids aren't that dumb.
It's a great book and the first one that I remember that made me feel a strong feeling of empathy and keen awareness of a need to improve myself.
LoriFeb 15, 2017 10:41AM0 votes
The moral I took from it is that when you love someone you're willing to sacrifice for them.
GitsaFeb 16, 2014 02:11PM0 votes
Sad story.The tree was giving and giving and the kid was so ungrateful!The worst is that the kid turned to the tree only when he needed things and that's what makes me sad.It teaches us altruism in contrast with the cynical world we live in.
CraigFeb 08, 2017 08:28PM0 votes
I have always thought this was a terrible story. Korin talked about it being the form for a toxic co-dependent relationship and that sums up this story perfectly.
I kept waiting for the kid to "get it and he never did. Hated this from the moment I finished it and I won't ever read it again. AND I certainly have never exposed my own kid to it. Can't say enough bad things about The Giving Tree...
Greetings, readers. As someone deeply immersed in literature and human behavior, it's evident that Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" has stirred a myriad of perspectives and emotions among its readers. Let me shed light on the profound concepts embedded in the discussions:
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Unconditional Love and Sacrifice:
- The recurring theme revolves around the notion of unconditional love and sacrifice. The tree, often seen as a maternal figure, symbolizes selfless giving without expecting anything in return. Readers consistently interpret the story as a representation of the sacrificial nature of parental love.
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Altruism and Selfishness:
- The discussions touch upon altruism and selfishness. The boy's continuous taking without gratitude highlights the consequences of selfish behavior. On the contrary, the tree's altruistic actions showcase the righteousness of giving without expecting reciprocation.
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Parental Relationships:
- Numerous interpretations connect the narrative to parent-child relationships. The tree's actions are likened to those of parents, emphasizing loyalty, devotion, and unconditional love. However, there's a discernible critique of the excessive giving, suggesting that it might lead to negative outcomes for both parties.
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Toxic Co-dependency:
- A discerning perspective emerges, describing the relationship between the boy and the tree as a toxic co-dependent one. This viewpoint underlines the potential harm of relentless giving and taking without establishing healthy boundaries.
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Appreciation and Ingratitude:
- The narrative delves into the themes of appreciation and ingratitude. The boy's ingratitude for the tree's generosity contrasts with the tree's enduring love. Readers reflect on the societal implications of such dynamics, with some expressing discontent at the perceived entitlement and lack of appreciation.
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Life's Finite Nature and Choices:
- Several readers connect the story to life's finite nature and the choices individuals make. The poignant reminder that life is limited encourages contemplation on how one chooses to spend their time and the impact of their actions on relationships.
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Gender Roles and Identity Sacrifice:
- A few discussions touch upon gender roles, viewing the story through the lens of women sacrificing their identities for their children. This perspective critiques societal expectations of women and challenges the traditional notion of self-sacrifice in parenting.
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Mutual Giving in Relationships:
- Some interpretations emphasize the importance of mutual giving in relationships. The imbalance between the boy and the tree raises questions about the sustainability of a relationship where one party consistently gives while the other only takes.
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Regret and the Consequences of Greed:
- The story is seen as a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed. The boy's insatiable desire for more at the expense of the tree's well-being is portrayed as a destructive force that ultimately leads to regret and unhappiness.
In essence, "The Giving Tree" serves as a rich tapestry, woven with threads of love, sacrifice, selfishness, and societal reflections. The diversity of interpretations speaks to the depth and complexity of human relationships and the lasting impact of literature that resonates across generations.
