Allegory In Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree

Allegory in The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is an allegory about unrestricted love. This children’s story begins with a tree and a young boy. The tree provides a place for the boy to play and is happy. However, as he grows, the boy begins to need more and the tree happily provides everything, overtime giving away its leaves, apples, branches, and trunk. In the end, all that is left is a stump which provides a seat for the boy who has now grown into an old man.
The tree loves the little boy from the very beginning when he would visit the tree every day and play with its leaves and swing from its branches. The tree, in some ways, reflects a mother who gives everything she can to take care of the boy and make sure he is happy. When the boy needs a place to play, the tree provides a playground. When he is hungry, the tree provides apples to eat. When he was tired, the tree provides shade under which to sleep. Like a mother does, the tree provides everything the boy needs to grow up.
The boy spends time with girls and eventually wants to get away and start a new life on his own. The tree tries to stay in his life and be a part of it but can only manage to contribute by giving itself to the boy. When the boy needs to make money, the tree gives its apples to be sold. When he needs a house for a family, the tree gives its branches to build one. When he needs a boat so he can get away, the tree gives its trunk to build one. The tree gives away everything it has to the boy in attempts to make the boy happy and