STORY
1. The Selfish Giant
by Oscar Wilde
Summary
"The Selfish Giant" is a heartwarming and
moralistic story written by Oscar Wilde. The story revolves around a giant who
learns a valuable lesson about love and sharing. The giant's garden is initially
a place of joy and delight for the children who play there every afternoon.
However, the giant's selfishness drives him to ban the children from the
garden, and he builds a wall around it to keep them out.
As a result of the giant's selfish actions, the garden
falls into a perpetual state of winter, and the once beautiful and lively place
becomes desolate and devoid of life. The absence of the children's laughter and
the birds' songs accentuates the giant's loneliness and regret. It is during this
time that the giant experiences a transformation in his heart.
When he encounters a little boy who is unable to climb
a tree to join the other children, the giant's heart softens. He realizes the
error of his ways and decides to help the boy. By breaking down the walls and
allowing the children back into the garden, the giant begins to experience the
joy of selflessness and love. Spring returns to the garden, symbolizing the
renewal of life and the giant's newfound kindness.
The story emphasizes the importance of kindness,
compassion, and generosity. The giant's journey from selfishness to
selflessness serves as a moral lesson for readers of all ages. Through his
actions, the giant learns that true happiness and fulfillment come from giving
and sharing, rather than hoarding and isolating oneself.
The character of the little boy who brings the giant
to his senses represents innocence, purity, and the power of unconditional
love. He teaches the giant the significance of love and self-sacrifice, which
eventually leads the giant to a state of redemption and spiritual growth.
The story concludes with a poignant and bittersweet
ending. The giant, who has now become a caring and loving figure, passes away
under the tree covered in white flowers, symbolizing his transcendence to a
better place. The white flowers also represent purity and a sense of divine
grace. The giant's selfless act of helping the boy earns him a place in heaven,
which is described as the boy's garden.
Overall, "The Selfish Giant" is a timeless
tale that reminds readers of the power of love, the importance of kindness, and
the value of selflessness. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and to
seek ways to make the world a better place through compassion and generosity.
The story's universal themes and heartwarming narrative continue to resonate
with readers, inspiring them to embrace the beauty of love and sharing in their
own lives.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Where did the children use to
play?
In the story "The Selfish Giant," children
regularly play in a beautiful garden owned by a giant during their after-school
hours. The garden is described as large, with soft green grass and lovely
flowers. The giant's garden becomes a place of joy and happiness for the
children, where they listen to the sweet songs of birds and enjoy the
blossoming peach trees. However, the giant's selfishness leads him to ban the
children from the garden, causing the garden to fall into a perpetual state of
winter. It is only through the giant's transformation and act of kindness that
the garden is restored to its former beauty and joy for the children to play in
again.
b. What did the Snow and the Frost do to
the garden?
After the giant's selfishness and mistreatment of the
children in the garden, the agents of nature, the Snow and the Frost, made
their appearance. The Snow covered the garden with a thick white layer, while
the Frost turned the trees into a shimmering silver. To make matters worse,
they even invited the biting cold of the North Wind to join them. These natural
agents served as a reflection of the giant's heartless actions and brought a
perpetual winter to the once vibrant and joyful garden, highlighting the
consequences of the giant's selfishness.
c. What did the giant hear when he was
lying awake in bed?
As the giant lay awake in his bed, he was pleasantly
surprised to hear the sweet and melodious music of a little singing bird called
the linnet. It had been a long time since he last experienced such joyous
sounds in his garden. The music of the linnet brought a sense of warmth and
renewal to the giant's heart, contrasting with the cold and desolate atmosphere
that had prevailed in his garden after his selfish actions. This encounter with
the linnet served as a turning point for the giant, leading him to realize the
error of his ways and ultimately transforming him into a more compassionate and
caring individual.
d. Why do you think spring season never
came to the giant's garden?
The spring season, usually a time of joy and
rejuvenation, seemed to share the children's sadness and disappointment due to
the giant's selfishness. In response to the giant's cruel actions against the
innocent children, the spring season withheld its usual charm and beauty from the
giant's garden. It was as if the spring season itself was angered by the
giant's behavior and decided not to grace his garden with its presence. This
absence of spring further emphasized the consequences of the giant's actions
and served as a reminder of the importance of kindness and compassion towards
others, especially the young and innocent.
e. How did the giant realise his
mistake?
The giant's realization of his mistake came through
the unusual and harsh changes in his once beautiful garden. The presence of
snow, frost, north wind, and fog in his garden made him realize the
consequences of his selfish actions against the children. When the children
finally reappeared in his garden, the transformation was immediate. The garden
bloomed with leaves and flowers, and the birds returned, filling the air with
their sweet chirping. This sight made the giant feel guilty for his past
behavior, and he understood the importance of kindness and compassion towards
others. His transformation marked a profound lesson in empathy and love.
Reference to the context
A. Read the extracts given below and answer the
questions that follow.
a. “How happy we were there!” they said
to each other.
i.
Where does ‘there’ refer to?
'There'
refers to the giant's garden where children used to play after school.
ii.
What does ‘they’ refer to?
'They'
refers to the children who used to come and play in Giant's garden after
school.
iii.
Why are they saying so?
They
are saying so because they aren't allowed to play in the giant's garden
anymore. The giant chased them out of his garden.
b. “I have many beautiful flowers,” he
said; “but the children are the most beautiful flowers of all.”
i.
Who is the speaker?
The
speaker is an old and feeble giant who keeps on watching the children at their
play sitting on his armchair.
ii.
Who is he speaking to?
He
is speaking to himself admiring his garden.
iii.
Who are ‘the children’ that the speaker is referring to?
'The
Children' that the speaker is referring to are the small and innocent school
children who enjoy a lot in the giant's garden.
iv.
Why is the speaker saying that ‘the children are the most beautiful flowers of
all’?
The
speaker is saying that 'the children are the most beautiful flowers of all'
because they represent innocence, purity, and the joy of life. It emphasizes
their significance and the need to protect and nurture them with love and care.
c. When the little child smiled at the
Giant, and said to him, "You let me play once in your garden, today
you shall come with me to my garden, which is Paradise," shortly
afterwards, the happy giant dies. What is the coincidence of this event?
Describe it in relation to this fairy tale.
In the story "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar
Wilde, the reappearance of the little child holds immense emotional
significance. The giant's transformation from a selfish and harsh character to
a loving and compassionate one is beautifully depicted through his interactions
with the children and the garden. When the little child returns, it symbolizes
the giant's longing for redemption and forgiveness for his past mistakes. The
child's presence in the garden reminds the giant of the love and joy he once
denied the children, and he eagerly waits to see him again. The child's words
about the wounds of love deeply touch the giant's heart, leading to his
ultimate act of selflessness and sacrifice.
The giant's death in the afternoon after meeting the
child is a powerful portrayal of his redemption and the culmination of his
character arc. Through his encounter with the child, the giant finds peace and
fulfillment, and his death becomes a testament to the transformative power of
love and compassion.
Overall, the reappearance of the little child and the
giant's response to him beautifully illustrate the themes of redemption,
forgiveness, and the profound impact of love and selflessness in the story. The
encounter with the child becomes the catalyst for the giant's ultimate
spiritual growth and fulfillment, making it a poignant and touching moment in
the narrative.
B. The story makes use of
personification as one of the main figures of speech. Cite three examples of
personification from the story. What is the significance of the seasons
personified in the story?
In "The Selfish Giant," Oscar Wilde
skillfully employs personification to breathe life into the natural elements of
Snow, Frost, and the north wind. By giving these seasons human-like attributes,
the writer showcases their active role in the story. The Snow covers the garden
with her "great white cloak," the Frost paints the trees with silver,
and the North Wind is invited to stay with them. These personified elements act
as agents of change, symbolizing the consequences of the giant's selfish
actions. They reflect the larger theme of nature's response to human behavior,
reinforcing the idea that our actions have a direct impact on the environment.
Wilde's use of personification adds depth and richness to the narrative, making
it more engaging and thought-provoking for readers.
C. This story can be read as a
fairytale, where the children, the seasons, the tree, the corner of the garden,
the snow, the wind and the frost are all used as symbolism. Interpret those
symbols.
In "The Selfish Giant," Oscar Wilde uses
various symbols to convey deeper meanings within the story. The spring season
represents happiness and renewal, contrasting with the winter season that
symbolizes suffering and despair. The tree in the garden takes on a symbolic
role as it represents the child in the story, who can be seen as a Christ-like
figure due to his innocence and purity.
The corner of the garden where the child stands holds
a sacred significance, resembling a place of redemption where the giant's
transformation begins. The snow, wind, and frost personify natural elements
that act as agents of change, symbolizing a unique force against bad deeds and
reflecting the consequences of the giant's selfishness. These symbols enrich
the narrative and offer readers a deeper understanding of the story's themes,
such as the importance of kindness, redemption, and the interconnectedness of
human actions with nature's response.
D. Which figure of speech is used for
‘winter, frost, snow, north wind, hail and little child’? Who is the little
child compared to?
In "The Selfish Giant," Oscar Wilde
skillfully employs personification to give life and unique characteristics to
natural elements and characters. The winter, frost, and snow are personified as
feminine forces, symbolizing their power to bring about change and consequences
for the giant's actions. On the other hand, the north wind, hail, and little
child are personified as masculine figures, representing their influential
roles in the story.
The little child holds significant symbolic meaning,
as he is compared to the divine figure of Lord Jesus Christ. His presence in
the garden brings about a miraculous transformation, symbolized by the blooming
of beautiful leaves and flowers. The mention of two nails on the child's palms
and feet serves as a reminder of the crucifixion of Jesus, further emphasizing
the child's divine nature and his role as a redemptive force in the story. Through
personification and symbolism, Wilde weaves a rich tapestry of meaning in
"The Selfish Giant," exploring themes of redemption, kindness, and
the profound impact of selfless love.
Reference beyond the text
a. What is the main theme of this
story?
The main theme of "The Selfish Giant" is the
transformative power of love, compassion, and the redemption that comes from
selflessness. Through the character of the giant, Oscar Wilde explores the
journey from selfishness to kindness and the profound impact of human
connections.
At the beginning of the story, the giant is portrayed
as cold and heartless, building a high wall around his beautiful garden to keep
the children out. This act of selfishness isolates him not only from the
children but also from the beauty of nature and the joy that comes from
sharing. The giant's garden, which once flourished with life and vibrant
colors, becomes a desolate and wintry place, reflecting the state of his own
heart.
However, as the seasons personified in the story bring
harsh weather to the giant's garden, a small act of kindness from a little
child begins the process of transformation. The child is depicted as innocent
and selfless, and his presence softens the giant's heart. The giant's initial
anger towards the child turns into empathy and care as he realizes the child is
in need of help to reach the tree's branches. He assists the child, and this
simple act of kindness marks the beginning of his redemption.
The little child's presence symbolizes Christ-like
qualities, as he bears the wounds on his hands and feet, reminiscent of Jesus'
crucifixion. His unconditional love and self-sacrifice bring about a profound
change in the giant's life. The giant's love for the child and his willingness
to care for him lead to the garden's revival. As the child leaves, the giant's
heart is filled with love and longing for the little one, showcasing the depth
of the transformation he has undergone.
The theme of redemption and second chances is also
evident as the giant seeks to make amends for his past selfishness. The act of
removing the wall and allowing the children back into the garden symbolizes the
giant's newfound understanding of the importance of sharing and kindness. By
opening his heart and his garden to the children, the giant becomes a source of
joy and happiness for them once again.
In conclusion, "The Selfish Giant" teaches
us about the power of love, compassion, and selflessness to transform lives and
bring about redemption. Through the journey of the giant, the story reminds us
of the importance of caring for others, especially the young and vulnerable,
and the joy that comes from sharing and opening our hearts to those in need. It
is a heartwarming tale of growth and redemption that leaves the readers with
the message of the beauty of selflessness and the transformative power of love.
b. Does God punish those who are cruel
to children and very selfish?
In "The Selfish Giant," the theme of divine
punishment and redemption is evident through the transformation of the giant's
character. The giant starts as a cruel and selfish being, isolating himself
from the world and denying the children access to his beautiful garden. His
actions represent a lack of compassion and a disconnect from the natural world
and the innocence of childhood.
In many religious and spiritual traditions, children
are often considered to be pure and innocent, representing a connection to the
divine. Their simplicity and genuine nature are seen as reflections of God's
love and purity. In the story, the giant's cruelty towards the children is in
direct contrast to this divine concept, and as a consequence, his garden falls
into a perpetual winter, representing his spiritual isolation and lack of
warmth.
However, when the little child appears in the giant's
garden, the theme of divine intervention comes into play. The child is depicted
as a Christ-like figure, bearing the wounds on his hands and feet reminiscent
of Jesus' crucifixion. His presence brings warmth and beauty back to the
garden, symbolizing the transformative power of love and compassion.
As the giant helps the child reach the tree's
branches, his heart begins to soften, and he experiences a change of heart.
This act of kindness and selflessness marks the beginning of his redemption. The
giant's willingness to care for the child, despite his initial anger, reflects
a divine quality of love and forgiveness.
Throughout the story, the concept of divine punishment
is also evident in the harsh winter that befalls the giant's garden. The personification
of the seasons as feminine forces like Snow and Frost, along with the North
Wind and Hail, showcases the divine power at work. These natural elements act
as agents of divine justice, punishing the giant for his selfishness and lack
of compassion.
Ultimately, the giant's transformation from a cruel
and selfish being to a loving and caring one reflects the theme of divine
redemption. His willingness to open his heart and his garden to the children
symbolizes his spiritual awakening and his reconnection with the divine. By
embracing love and selflessness, the giant is granted a chance at redemption,
and the beauty and warmth of the garden are restored.
In conclusion, "The Selfish Giant" explores
the themes of divine punishment and redemption through the character of the
giant. The story highlights the consequences of cruelty and selfishness while
emphasizing the transformative power of love, compassion, and selflessness.
Through the divine intervention of the little child, the giant experiences a
spiritual awakening and finds redemption in the restoration of his garden and
his heart. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of
treating others with kindness and the potential for redemption through acts of
love and compassion.
Best of Luck
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