The Boy’s Material Ambitions

This thread follows the practical goals that draw The Boy back to The Tree and the different forms those goals take.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Things and Fun

Things and Fun The Boy says he wants to buy things and have fun, then asks The Tree for money. Consumer Desire His goals are framed through what money could obtain. First Exchange The Tree has no money but points him toward selling her apples.

Money from Apples

Money from Apples The Boy gathers The Tree’s apples and carries them to the city to sell. A Practical Plan The tree’s suggestion becomes an action rather than an abstract offer. Departure with a Purpose The Boy leaves equipped to pursue the wants he has described.

Warm House

Warm House The Boy says he needs a house to keep warm and mentions wanting a wife and children. Security Sought His ambition now concerns shelter and an imagined household. Resource Offered The Tree proposes that her branches become the material for a house.

Faraway Boat

Faraway Boat The Boy wants a boat that will take him far away from where he is. Ambition Becomes Escape The request points toward travel and distance rather than a stable home. Final Material Solution The Tree offers her trunk, and The Boy sails away.

Quiet Place

Quiet Place Old and tired, The Boy says he does not need very much, only somewhere to sit and rest. Ambitions Fall Away Money, a house, and a boat no longer define the request. Need Met Simply The stump gives him a place to pause, bringing the chain of material aims to a close.

At The Boy’s first adult return

Immediately after the first request

At a later adult return

At a later return after the house

At the final return