The Influence of a Tree by Crystal

The Influence of a Tree by Crystal - May 2017 Scholarship Essay

In all honesty, I must admit, that the book that has had the most profound effect on my life and that I feel has truly done the most in shaping me as a person, it The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. The message portrayed in this book target for children has helped me in many ways through the years, whether it comes to encouraging me to contribute to others despite the cost to myself, or giving me the support that I have needed when too much has been taken from me, this book is a wondrous guide.
Self-improvement can be achieved through many methods, but for myself I have found that it is best achieved through the improvement of others. I relate to the abnegation that the tree shows for its own needs, as it lessens itself physically for the sake of others. Despite the fact that the tree becomes weaker on a material plane, and looses many of its assets, it remains willing to help, and ready to give until the very end of its means.
I am aware that the moral of this story is in that the tree gave too much, and that the tale is meant to caution young readers rather than stimulate their need to take part in acts resembling the tree. That has never mattered to me. What has mattered has been the selfless and ambivalent example set by this noble character.