The Loveable Trees in Life - A teenage reflection of The Giving Tree by Brianna

The Loveable Trees in Life - A teenage reflection of The Giving Tree by Brianna - October 2023 Scholarship Essay

At five years old, I saw the world as simple and uncluttered. With that view, everything to me had minimal problems, such as the books I consumed endlessly. I had a fondness for books that centered on straightforward lessons. The Kissing Hand, Where The Wild Things Are, The Little Engine That Could, and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. My young mind perceived The Giving Tree as a timeless masterpiece. The storyline is suspenseful, and the simple images are a pleasure to behold, capturing the natural generosity of the world. With each turn of a page, as I went through a whirlwind of emotions, I always found satisfaction with the ending. To me, the book always conveyed the message of showing kindness towards others. By demonstrating the love one holds, one would receive that love too. A very simple, straightforward message. My recent visit, however, says otherwise.

From my current perspective as a seventeen-year-old, I wholeheartedly believe that the children’s book promoting kindness towards others and nature conveys a range of significant messages that are applicable throughout life. It had such an immense impact that it even brought my teenage eyes to tears as I revisited parts of my life through it. From then on, whenever significant changes occurred in my life, I would continue to give the innocent book a revisit and a welcome.

The book illustrates how loved ones can demonstrate generosity beautifully, though it has complications. The tree’s branches reach out, symbolizing the far-reaching impact of those who are willing to make sacrifices for others. Throughout the book, the tree's love for the boy is clear, granting his every request, even those out of its control. The tree had a warm, welcoming presence that reminded me of the most kind-hearted people. My mom, my grandmother, my friend, and so many more. Just like the tree, they have offered their generosity to me. Even if a task seemed difficult, they would sometimes sacrifice some parts of themselves to me. Not only is the tree a symbol of nature’s beauty, but the tree is a reminder. A reminder to always appreciate and love those who have always been there, even through small acts. No matter the stages of life the boy went through, the tree was always there. Just like how my loved ones are always there. It’s not every day one has their loved ones. However, when one does, it’s beautiful.

Along with many other themes, the book explores the hardships of coming of age. As problems arise, the childlike wonder fades away, and the past becomes a distant memory. Aging and changing are inevitable, but I do admit that it could hurt at times. As I got older, my childlike wonders faded away. Images of people I cared about changed, the way I perceived the world changed, my aspirations changed, and everything about me changed. My simple and uncluttered world has changed. However, through this book, I’m reminded that change cannot take away the past. The little boy in the book, despite getting older, is shown that the memories of the tree would not be gone. The tree represents his childhood. There are always small glimpses of my childhood scattered around left and right, such as my loved ones.

Regardless of their life circumstances, anyone could find something to reflect on from the book. Whether it's expressing gratitude towards loved ones, reliving fond memories from their youth, or lending a helping hand to others. The book is a work of art, demonstrating that life's imperfections can be beautiful. Though it took me years to explore more in-depth with its story, it was all worth it. Now, at seventeen years old, I view the world as complicated, yet essential for growth. The growth that anyone in nature deserves, even the most lovable trees in our lives.