(Intermediate) The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde

 

​

(Intermediate) The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde

​

Story

In the enchanting tale of "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde, we're transported to a magical garden where children used to play every afternoon. This garden, adorned with soft green grass and twelve peach trees, was a haven of joy and beauty. The birds sang sweet melodies, and the flowers danced like stars, creating an atmosphere of pure happiness.

However, this paradise was abruptly disrupted when the Giant returned after seven years. His selfishness knew no bounds as he drove the children away, declaring the garden as his and his alone. He built a towering wall, shutting out the children and condemning them to play on dusty roads filled with hard stones.

As seasons changed, the garden remained trapped in perpetual winter, shunned by spring's warmth and renewal. The birds ceased their songs, and the trees refused to blossom, for the absence of children left the garden devoid of life. The Giant's selfishness cast a shadow over the once vibrant landscape, leaving only the cold embrace of snow, frost, and icy winds.

Yet, amidst the desolation, a glimmer of hope emerged when the Giant heard the faint strains of music and discovered children had sneaked into the garden through a small hole in the wall. Their presence breathed life back into the garden, coaxing the trees to bloom and the birds to sing once more. However, in a corner of the garden, a little boy stood alone, too small to reach the branches and trapped in winter's grip.

Touched by remorse, the Giant's heart softened as he realized the extent of his selfishness. Determined to right his wrongs, he tore down the wall and welcomed the children back into the garden, pledging it as their eternal playground. His act of kindness broke the curse of winter, ushering in spring and renewal.

But amidst the joyous reunion, one child remained absent—the one the Giant had lifted into the tree to see its blossoms. In a poignant twist, the child returned years

later, bearing wounds of love on his hands and feet. Through this encounter, the Giant learned the true meaning of compassion and sacrifice.

As the story concludes, the Giant follows the child to a heavenly paradise, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and transformation. The children, once fearful, now mourn his passing, honoring his memory under the blossoming tree.

​

​

Words and Idioms

1. Enchanting - captivating or charming, often in a magical or delightful way.

2. Blossoms - the flowers on a plant, especially when they are in bloom.

3. Abruptly - suddenly and unexpectedly, without warning or preparation.

4. Perpetual - continuing indefinitely or for an indefinitely long time.

5. Absence - the state of being away or not present.

6. Vibrant - full of energy and life; bright and colorful.

7. Trespassers - people who enter a property without permission.

8. Prosecuted - officially charged with a crime and brought to trial in a court of law.

9. Lush - richly abundant, thriving, and full of vegetation.

10. Desolate - barren, empty, and devoid of life or inhabitants.

11. Sneak into - to enter a place quietly or surreptitiously, often without permission.

12. Remorse - a deep feeling of regret or guilt for a past wrongdoing.

13. Pledging - making a solemn promise or commitment.

14. Eternal - lasting forever; without end or beginning.

15. Reunion - a gathering or meeting of people or things that were previously separated.

16. Sneak into - to enter a place quietly or surreptitiously, often without permission.

17. Encounter - a meeting or unexpected meeting, especially one that is significant or memorable.

18. Generosity - the quality of being kind, giving, and willing to help others.

19. Compassion - sympathetic understanding and concern for the suffering or misfortune of others.

20. Sacrifice - the act of giving up something valuable

21. Transformation - a dramatic change in form, appearance, or character.

22. Redemption - the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.

23. Legacy - something handed down or received from an ancestor or predecessor; a lasting impact or influence.

24. Reflect - to think deeply or carefully about something

25. Mourn - to feel or express sorrow or grief, especially over someone's death.

​

idioms

1. Cast a shadow over - to create a feeling of sadness, doubt, or negativity about something.

2. Coaxing the trees to bloom - encouraging the trees to produce flowers.

3. A glimmer of hope - a small sign of hope or optimism.

4. A poignant twist - an emotionally powerful turn of events in a story.

5. Bearing wounds - displaying physical or emotional injuries or scars.

6. Honoring one's memory - showing respect for the memory of someone who has passed away.

​

​

Questions

1. What is the main consequence of the Giant's selfishness in the story?

a) The garden becomes a paradise.

b) The garden falls into perpetual winter.

c) The children bring gifts to the Giant.

d) The Giant builds higher walls around his castle.

​

2. What symbolic meaning can be associated with the tree adorned with white blossoms at the end of the story?

a) Growth and renewal.

b) Fear and isolation.

c) Death and decay.

d) Anger and resentment.

​

3. Why does the Giant tear down the walls surrounding his castle?

a) Because he wants to keep the children out.

b) Because he wants to create a barrier.

c) Because he wants to allow the children back into the garden.

d) Because he wants to build a taller wall.

​

4. What emotion does the Giant feel upon seeing the wounds of love on the child's hands and feet?

a) Joy and excitement.

b) Rage and wonder.

c) Sadness and regret.

d) Indifference and apathy.

​

5. What does the perpetual winter symbolize in the story?

a) The Giant's kindness.

b) The children's joy.

c) The Giant's selfishness and isolation.

d) The beauty of nature.

​

6. What does the invitation to the child's garden represent in the story?

a) A journey to a physical place.

b) A metaphor for forgiveness and redemption.

c) A challenge to the Giant's authority.

d) A secret hiding place for the children.

​

 

7. Imagine you are the Giant. Write a diary entry expressing your thoughts and feelings after realizing the consequences of your selfishness.

​

​

8. Write a letter from the perspective of the child, explaining the significance of the wounds of love to the Giant.

​

​

9. Reflect on a time when you or someone you know experienced a transformation of heart like the Giant in the story. Describe the situation and its impact on your or their life.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Answer Keys

1. b) The garden falls into perpetual winter.

2. a) Growth and renewal.

3. c) Because he wants to allow the children back into the garden.

4. b) Rage and wonder.

5. c) The Giant's selfishness and isolation.

6. b) A metaphor for forgiveness and redemption.

​

Diary Entry (Giant):

Today marks a solemn awakening, a realization that weighs heavily upon my heart. As I gaze upon the desolate garden, once teeming with life and

laughter, I am overcome with remorse. The consequences of my selfishness have manifested in the perpetual winter that now blankets this once-vibrant sanctuary.

Oh, how foolish I have been! To chase away the innocent laughter of children, to wallow in my own greed and isolation. The walls I erected around my castle, both literal and figurative, have not only kept others out but have also imprisoned my own spirit in a cold fortress of solitude.

But today, as I tear down these walls brick by brick, I feel a glimmer of hope stirring within me. The sight of the barren trees, stripped of their blossoms by my own hand, fills me with a profound sense of regret. Yet, amidst the despair, I find a flicker of redemption.

I long to undo the damage I have caused, to invite back the warmth of spring and the joy of childhood laughter. The realization dawns upon me like the first light of dawn after a long night of darkness: true happiness lies not in selfish isolation but in selfless acts of kindness and compassion.

May this diary entry serve as a testament to my newfound understanding, a pledge to seek forgiveness and redemption. May the garden once again flourish with life, and may my heart thaw from its icy prison to embrace the warmth of love and friendship.

​

Letter:

Dear Giant,

I write to you with a heart full of understanding and compassion. The wounds on my hands and feet, though they may appear painful, carry a profound significance that I wish to share with you. These wounds are not mere marks of harm inflicted upon me; rather, they are symbols of love's enduring sacrifice.

In their presence, I am reminded of the power of forgiveness and the healing that it brings. Despite the pain, these wounds serve as a testament to the depth of love and the strength it possesses to mend what is broken. They speak of a love that is selfless and unconditional, willing to endure suffering for the sake of others.

As you gaze upon these wounds, I urge you to see beyond the surface and recognize the profound message they convey. Embrace this lesson, dear Giant, and allow it to soften your heart and fill it with compassion. For in forgiveness lies the key to restoring warmth and joy to our hearts and to the world around us.

With warmth and sincerity,

[Child's Name]

​

​

Reflection:

Reflecting on a profound transformation of heart, I recall the story of my dear friend, Sarah. She was once consumed by bitterness and resentment, much like the Giant in the tale. Sarah had endured significant hardships in her life,

leading her to build walls around her heart, shutting out those who tried to offer love and support.

However, a pivotal moment occurred when Sarah experienced a sudden loss that shook her to the core. In her grief, she found herself alone and isolated, facing the harsh reality of her own bitterness. It was in this moment of vulnerability that Sarah began to recognize the walls she had erected around herself and the pain they had caused.

With the support of loved ones and the guidance of self-reflection, Sarah embarked on a journey of healing and transformation. She confronted her inner demons and slowly began to dismantle the walls around her heart, allowing herself to feel and to love once again.

The impact of this transformation was profound, not only for Sarah but for those around her as well. As she opened herself up to love and forgiveness, Sarah's relationships flourished, and her heart became a beacon of warmth and compassion. No longer trapped in the icy grip of bitterness, Sarah found freedom and joy in embracing the beauty of life and the connections that bind us all together.

Sarah's story serves as a powerful reminder that transformation is possible, even in the darkest of times. Like the Giant in the story, she learned that true happiness lies in letting go of selfishness and embracing the warmth of love and friendship. Her journey inspires me to continue seeking growth and understanding, knowing that with an open heart, anything is possible.

​

​

​

All rights reserved by 비투게더

​

​

Do you want to study more with teachers?

Click the email link and ask me anything you want. then I will give you more information and help you find a good-fit teacher.

charmingnr.0213@gmail.com

 

 

SAT, ACT, TOEFL, MAP, AP, IB, SSAT 과외는 과외의 모든 것

비투게더(www.betogether.co.kr.)에서! 지금 유명 강사진을 꼭 확인하세요!