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Chapter Analysis
Beginner7 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde is a tale about a giant who owns a beautiful garden where children love to play. The giant's selfishness leads him to build a wall around the garden to keep the children out, causing perpetual winter in the garden. However, when he finally realizes his selfishness and knocks down the wall, spring returns, and the children play there once more. A particular child, who is later revealed to have Christ-like attributes, brings about a change in the Giant's heart, leading to his redemption.
Key Topics
- •Selfishness and its consequences
- •Transformation and redemption
- •Symbolism of seasons
- •Generosity and kindness
- •Role of nature in moral stories
- •Christ-like symbolism
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the theme of selfishness and its effects on relationships.
- ✓Recognize the symbolic meaning behind characters and events in the story.
- ✓Explore the transformation of characters through plot development.
- ✓Analyze the role nature plays in depicting moral lessons.
- ✓Identify literary devices used by Oscar Wilde to convey themes.
- ✓Discuss the moral implications of generosity versus selfishness.
Questions in Chapter
Why is the Giant called selfish?
Answer: The Giant is called selfish because he did not want to share his beautiful garden with the children.
Page 19
On one occasion the children said: “How happy we are here!” Later they said: “How happy we were there!” What are they referring to in both the cases?
Page 19
(i) When spring came, it was still winter in the garden. What does winter stand for or indicate here? (ii) Winter has been presented like a story with its own characters and their activities. Describe the story in your own words.
Page 20
Was the Giant happy or sad over the state of the garden?
Page 20
What effect did the linnet’s song have over Hail and the North Wind?
Page 20
The Giant saw a most wonderful sight. What did he see?
Page 24
Why was it still winter in one corner of the garden?
Page 24
Describe the first meeting of the little boy and the Giant.
Page 24
Describe their second meeting after a long interval.
Page 24
The Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms. What does this sentence indicate about the once selfish Giant?
Page 24
Additional Practice Questions
Why did the children love to play in the Giant’s garden?
easyAnswer: The children loved the Giant’s garden because it was large, lovely, and filled with beautiful flowers and trees which provided enjoyment and beauty.
What led to the perpetual winter in the Giant’s garden?
mediumAnswer: The perpetual winter was caused by the Giant’s selfishness in barring the children from his garden, which led to absence of joy and laughter, essential components for spring.
Discuss the symbolism of the little boy with nail marks and its importance in the story.
hardAnswer: The little boy with nail marks symbolizes Jesus Christ, representing innocence, sacrifice, and redemption. His presence in the story highlights themes of forgiveness and transformation.
How does the Giant’s attitude change over the course of the story?
mediumAnswer: Initially, the Giant is selfish and unkind, but through the influence of the little boy and the realization of the beauty of sharing, he transforms into a kind-hearted character who relishes in the joy of the children.
Explain the role of nature in highlighting the story’s moral.
hardAnswer: Nature in the story mirrors the Giant’s emotions and actions. The isolation brings winter, while sharing and kindness bring spring, symbolizing the direct impact of one’s actions on their environment.