How we cite our quotes: (Page Number)
Quote #1
Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy. (6-8)
The tree's love for the boy is clear from the beginning. It's the first sentence in the book.
Quote #2
Illustration: the boy hugs the tree. (27)
Have you ever hugged a tree? The boy is definitely fond of his tree. He hugs her the way only a child could—with his arms thrown around her and his whole body, including his head, nestled right in.
Quote #3
And the boy loved the tree…very much. (27-28)
In the picture on page 28, the boy stares fondly at the tree, admiring the initials he's carved into her trunk: "M.E. + T."
Quote #4
Illustration: a new set of initials has been carved into the tree, and two sets of legs are sticking out from behind it. (32)
It looks like the boy has found a new love to spend time with. He's still visiting the tree at this point, but she's not exactly the center of his world anymore.
Quote #5
And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy. (39)
The tree shows her love for the boy by giving to him so generously. He takes all of her apples, but she doesn't mind. She knows he'll be able to sell them and earn some money, and that makes her happy.
Quote #6
And so the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy. (42-45)
Once again, it's the boy's happiness that matters most to the tree. Thinking that he will be happy when he has a house is gratifying to her. That's completely unselfish love.
Quote #7
"Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy. (54-55)
In the end, the tree is happy because yet again she's been able to provide comfort for the one she loves: the boy. Who is now a very old man.