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The Selfish Giant
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The Selfish Giant
Summary
"The Selfish Giant" tells the story of a giant who returns home to find children playing in his garden. Driven by selfishness, he builds a high wall to keep them out, declaring that the garden is his own. Following this, the garden plunges into perpetual winter, as the other seasons refuse to enter a place where children are not welcome.
As time passes, the Giant grows lonely and sorrowful, regretting his decision. One morning, he awakens to the sound of birds and sees that spring has finally returned to his garden. This change is due to the children sneaking back in through a small hole in the wall. Moved by the sight of a young boy struggling to climb a tree, the Giant's heart melts. He helps the boy and then tears down the wall, opening his garden to the children forever.
The garden flourishes, and so does the friendship between the Giant and the children. However, the boy who changed the Giant's heart disappears, and the Giant grows very old, yearning for his return.
In the Giant's final years, he discovers the boy in his garden once more, marked by stigmata, indicating he is a representation of Christ. The boy invites the Giant to his garden, which is paradise. The Giant dies and is taken to Heaven, his soul redeemed by his acts of kindness and love towards the children.
Themes
- Redemption: The Giant's transformation from a selfish individual to a caring figure symbolizes the possibility of redemption through kindness and love.
- The impact of isolation: The story illustrates how isolation, both physical and emotional, leads to suffering and regret.
- The innocence and purity of children: The children's presence brings life and joy, highlighting their role as symbols of innocence and purity in the world.
Conclusion
Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant" is a poignant tale about the power of redemption and the importance of kindness and compassion. It teaches that the walls we build to separate ourselves from others only lead to our own desolation and that true joy comes from sharing and love.