News:

And we're back!

Main Menu

What is "The Giving Tree" about?

Started by Savonarola, December 14, 2015, 02:04:57 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

What is the meaning of Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree"

It's a parable of Christian love
2 (11.1%)
It's an allegory of man's relationship with the environment
5 (27.8%)
It's an allegory about friendship
2 (11.1%)
It's an allegory about a parent-child relationship
9 (50%)
It's a satire
1 (5.6%)
The story has no meaning, it's nihilistic children's literature
8 (44.4%)

Total Members Voted: 18

Valmy

Quote from: katmai on December 14, 2015, 04:35:55 PM
It is about a tree that gives, sheesh why do you people have to find any other meaning to it.

That tree had issues. Co-dependency issues.
Quote"This is a Russian warship. I propose you lay down arms and surrender to avoid bloodshed & unnecessary victims. Otherwise, you'll be bombed."

Zmiinyi defenders: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself."

Razgovory

Trees are not known for their robust decision making skills
I've given it serious thought. I must scorn the ways of my family, and seek a Japanese woman to yield me my progeny. He shall live in the lands of the east, and be well tutored in his sacred trust to weave the best traditions of Japan and the Sacred South together, until such time as he (or, indeed his house, which will periodically require infusion of both Southern and Japanese bloodlines of note) can deliver to the South it's independence, either in this world or in space.  -Lettow April of 2011

Raz is right. -MadImmortalMan March of 2017

Admiral Yi

It's an allegory about Jewish parental guilt-tripping.

The Brain

Women want me. Men want to be with me.

Barrister

Quote from: The Brain on December 14, 2015, 04:49:38 PM
What is The Bloated Meskimo about?

Quote from: googleNo results found for "The Bloated Meskimo"
Posts here are my own private opinions.  I do not speak for my employer.

mongers

What about 'The Singing Ringing Tree'?



"We have it in our power to begin the world over again"

The Brain

Quote from: Barrister on December 14, 2015, 05:02:06 PM
Quote from: The Brain on December 14, 2015, 04:49:38 PM
What is The Bloated Meskimo about?

Quote from: googleNo results found for "The Bloated Meskimo"

Thank you for at least trying to help.
Women want me. Men want to be with me.

garbon

Quote from: katmai on December 14, 2015, 04:35:55 PM
It is about a tree that gives, sheesh why do you people have to find any other meaning to it.

Well presumably it was read at the first funeral I ever attended for a reason.
"I've never been quite sure what the point of a eunuch is, if truth be told. It seems to me they're only men with the useful bits cut off."
I drank because I wanted to drown my sorrows, but now the damned things have learned to swim.

MadImmortalMan

It means that some people are never happy and if you keep making sacrifices to make them happy, they'll eventually make a boat out of you and you'll die.
"Stability is destabilizing." --Hyman Minsky

"Complacency can be a self-denying prophecy."
"We have nothing to fear but lack of fear itself." --Larry Summers

Admiral Yi


CountDeMoney

Quote from: Valmy on December 14, 2015, 04:42:15 PM
My Dad made fun of this book so much reading it to me as a kid that I find it hard to take seriously now.

Now that explains so much, like why you became a pole dancer.

Ed Anger

Stay Alive...Let the Man Drive

Scipio

I hate that fucking book. Nihilism is a bitch.
What I speak out of my mouth is the truth.  It burns like fire.
-Jose Canseco

There you go, giving a fuck when it ain't your turn to give a fuck.
-Every cop, The Wire

"It is always good to be known for one's Krapp."
-John Hurt

Siege



"All men are created equal, then some become infantry."

"Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who don't."

"Laissez faire et laissez passer, le monde va de lui même!"


Eddie Teach

Quote from: mongers on December 14, 2015, 05:05:50 PM
What about 'The Singing Ringing Tree'?



Papa Bear runs off with Goldilocks, Mama Bear blames baby.
To sleep, perchance to dream. But in that sleep of death, what dreams may come?