The Boat and Departure

The Giving Tree

This thread follows The Boy’s wish to leave, The Tree’s provision of a boat, and the long absence before his return.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Wish for Distance Wish for Distance from "The Giving Tree". Wish for Distance The Boy tells The Tree he wants a boat that will take him far away.

Wish for Distance The Boy tells The Tree he wants a boat that will take him far away. Departure Desired His request emphasizes distance from his current place, rather than a need to stay. A New Challenge The Tree has no boat, so the answer will require a profound transformation.

Trunk Proposed Trunk Proposed from "The Giving Tree". Trunk Proposed The Tree tells The Boy to cut down her trunk and make a boat.

Trunk Proposed The Tree tells The Boy to cut down her trunk and make a boat. Costly Solution Her answer turns her remaining central structure into a means of transport. Permission and Consequence The proposal is generous, but it makes The Boy’s departure inseparable from the tree’s loss.

Boat Made

Boat Made The Boy cuts down The Tree’s trunk and makes a boat. Gift Converted The tree’s trunk becomes an object designed to carry him elsewhere. Transformation Complete The living tree is reduced to what remains after the wood has been taken.

Sailing Away Sailing Away from "The Giving Tree". Sailing Away The Boy sails away, leaving The Tree behind as a stump. Departure Achieved His stated wish to travel far from here is fulfilled.

Sailing Away from "The Giving Tree". Sailing Away The Boy sails away, leaving The Tree behind as a stump. Departure Achieved His stated wish to travel far from here is fulfilled.

Sailing Away The Boy sails away, leaving The Tree behind as a stump. Departure Achieved His stated wish to travel far from here is fulfilled. The Tree Alone The story places his movement against her immobility and loss.

Return After Years Return After Years from "The Giving Tree". Return After Years After a long time, The Boy comes back again, and The Tree learns that she has nothing left to give.

Return After Years from "The Giving Tree". Return After Years After a long time, The Boy comes back again, and The Tree learns that she has nothing left to give.

Return After Years After a long time, The Boy comes back again, and The Tree learns that she has nothing left to give. Voyage Ends The period of absence closes with his return to the stump. A Different Need He is no longer seeking transport; he wants a quiet place to sit and rest.

At The Boy’s later return

During the boat conversation

Soon after the proposal

Immediately after the boat is made

After a long time, near the ending