Living a simple life is an essential wish of many people. However, they often get caught in vanity and hustle of the modern society. Forest Carter, the author of The Education of Little Tree, tells readers about the boy named Little Tree who has an opportunity to live a life along with nature. He can live his own life out of society with its vivid stereotypes telling him whom he ought to be.
Through the observations and experiences of Little Tree, the reader starts to appreciate an indelible beauty of Earth and the character of each tree. Through the tangible awareness of natural vitality and humans’ debt to Earth fertility, the reader witnesses the possibility of how he/she could live with nature, not just as an observer, but as a partner. The Education of Little Tree truly reflects the eternal question about the human place in the world. Such an aspect cannot be separated from the challenges of the history of Native Americans being enforced of their native land by the white people and relocated to reservations. Through the whole history and grandparents’ attempts to live in the cruel world, where Native Americans are denied civil rights and forced to adopt unfamiliar religion, Little Tree begins to distrust the government. Grandfather’s lack of faith in politician world is passed along to the boy. He considers it as an invasion in their lifestyle and property.
Little Tree is an extremely innocent boy who sees only great features in people while they are ridiculing or offending him. He does not understand the meaning of people’s offensive remarks. The grandparents try to defend Little Tree from potential danger and hurt. The boy feels a strong and essential connection with nature that grows along with him. He learns to respect nature and trust her instincts. In addition, he discovers more about the cruel world of politicians and businessmen.
Grandparents prospered to give enthusiasm and energy to Little Tree that helps him in life. They like to move on with their wisdom further. The digressive generations share a comfort in familiar traditions and customs that have been passed down through many generations. The majority has been lost in the modern world. The family of Little Tree is unique and consolidated in making decisions and discussing various themes. The family enjoys time alone with nature, reading stories and visiting friends. Since nature plays a vital and key role in defining The Education of Little Tree, the author gives his own views of the environment applying detailed images of the natural habitat where the forest becomes a home, not a place of wonder. Little Tree learns to love the mountains of Eastern Tennessee and calls them a home. That is fundamental to his viewpoints of the world. Mother Nature is the basic character and the closest friend of Little Tree. As Little Tree narrates about his own experience in an innocent childish voice, the reader essentially starts to experience it in his/her own way. The daily life of Little Tree is dedicated to helping his grandparents stand up for their civil rights. He learns how to stand up for himself. Little Tree demonstrates the ordinary lessons of life by living along with nature. “If ye don’t know the past, then ye will not have a future. If ye don’t know where your people have been, then ye won’t know where your people are going” (Carter, p. 40, 1976). I admire and appreciate the profound meaning of the quote, since if people do not grasp the past events, they might repeat them in the future, and it might be unsuccessful. Therefore, it is good to learn, grasp, and remember the mistakes of others in order to avoid them in the future.
In my opinion, The Education of Little Tree is an undoubtedly remarkable book for the modern generation, representing traditions, customs, love, family, and learning of life. The book truly represents powerful and profound value, high emotional level, utter innocence, and wisdom of the main hero, Little Tree.
About the Author
Luna Griffin is a specialist in English literature at the Orlando University and longtime work as a writer at https://writer-elite.com – essay writing services that provide all students with any types of written assignments in all disciplines. She always wanted to become a writer and publish a book that will become a new contribution to the literature. She started career as an English Tutor after which she started to show interest in child psychology research. She is currently working on a variety of topics related to studying the state of modern education.