The Giving Tree Worksheet - Free Printable

Since the image you've uploaded is a worksheet based on *The Giving Tree* by Shel Silverstein, I'll help you solve it by providing thoughtful answers to each question based on the story. This worksheet asks students to analyze the characters — the Boy and the Tree — in terms of their actions, feelings, similarities, and differences.

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The Giving Tree – Worksheet Answers

#### How does the Boy act towards the Tree in the story?

The Boy starts out as a happy, playful child who loves the Tree and uses it for fun — climbing, swinging, and eating its apples. As he grows older, his behavior changes: he becomes more demanding and takes more from the Tree without giving anything in return. When he’s a young man, he cuts down the tree’s branches to build a house; later, he cuts down the trunk to make a boat. As an old man, he returns and sits under the stump, asking for a place to rest. Throughout, he never shows gratitude or concern for the Tree’s well-being.

> Key Point: The Boy is self-centered and only thinks about his own needs. He treats the Tree as a resource rather than a friend.

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#### How does the Tree act towards the Boy in the story?

The Tree is consistently loving, generous, and self-sacrificing. It gives everything it has to make the Boy happy — its apples, branches, trunk, and even its stump. Each time the Boy comes back, the Tree offers what it can, no matter how much it loses. Even when the Tree is reduced to just a stump, it still says, “Come, boy, sit down and rest.” The Tree feels joy when the Boy is happy, even if it means losing parts of itself.

> Key Point: The Tree is patient, kind, and unconditionally giving. It values the Boy’s happiness above its own existence.

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#### How are the characters the same?

- Both the Boy and the Tree care deeply about each other.
- They both experience emotional connection throughout the story.
- Their relationship is built on love and companionship.
- They both change over time (the Boy ages, the Tree loses parts of itself).
- Both seek comfort and meaning in their bond.

> Key Point: Despite their differences, they share a deep, lasting emotional bond rooted in love.

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#### How are the characters different?

| Aspect | The Boy | The Tree |
|-------|--------|---------|
| Needs | Seeks fun, comfort, and material things | Wants to give and see the Boy happy |
| Growth | Grows physically and emotionally, but becomes selfish | Grows outwardly (branches, apples), but shrinks inwardly as it gives away parts |
| Emotions | Feels joy, boredom, need, and eventually loneliness | Feels joy when the Boy is happy, sadness when he leaves, but never resentment |
| Actions | Takes without giving back | Gives freely, even when it hurts |
| Perspective | Self-focused and driven by wants | Selfless and focused on others |

> Key Point: The Boy is human and driven by desire, while the Tree is symbolic of unconditional love and sacrifice.

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✔ Final Summary:

This worksheet helps students understand empathy, selflessness, and the nature of relationships. The Tree represents pure, unconditional giving, while the Boy reflects human tendencies to take and grow distant. Yet, their bond remains strong, showing that love can endure even when one side is unbalanced.

Let me know if you'd like this turned into a printable answer key or simplified version for younger students!