The Giving Tree and our relationship to nature

The Giving Tree is a story about people and nature. When we perceive what non-humans have to offer us, we can just take what we want. This eventually wears down what remains for us.

We can also see this story as a tale of mothering. It parallels our cultural expectation that mothers should just give and give without ever needing anything.

In an alternate telling the tree refuses to give herself away for the boy. She can be a resource for the boy, but she will not let herself be extracted from to her own detriment.

This story gives us a chance to think about how we can be a resource for our family without letting ourselves be devoured.

Jill Doneen Clifton
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www.LandscapeOfMothers.com