The Selfish Giant

Wilde personifies nature, which is an important theme. He mentions pink and pearl again to describe the blossoms on the trees, which decorated the Infanta's fan. The Giant is punished for being selfish by the Snow and Frost who live in his garden all year. Wilde calls them people as if they are actually human. When the Giant realizes that it is his own fault for the Spring not coming and opens his garden to the children, only one little boy is not afraid and accepts him. Also, Wilde shows that people should not judge others based on their external appearances because even though the Giant in large and intimidating, he has become kind. He learns that it is better to share with others than to only think about himself.

Wilde uses a strong biblical allusion, where the tiny boy represents Jesus. He is separated from the other children because he is different and tries to make Spring come to the last corner of the garden. He helps the Giant realize his mistake and fix it. He forgives the Giant for his sin and shows him love. The Giant's selfishness is replaced by love for all of the children, especially the tiny boy. He no longer feels hatred towards the winter because he knows that the Spring will come again. He has the prints of nails in his hands and feet. The Giant wants to punish whoever hurt him, but the boy teaches him that violence or acts of hatred will not solve his problems. The Giant does not meet him again, until he is old and feeble. He leads the Giant to his garden of Paradise, which refers to Heaven. In the end, he is covered with white blossoms to show the innocence and purity of his death. This is a more optimistic and simpler story than The Birthday of Infanta because the Giant demonstrates that there is a possibility of redemption for people who have sinned.