59 pages • 1 hour read
Therese Anne FowlerA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Background
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
The oak tree in Valerie’s backyard symbolizes multiple concepts. The narrators describe how the community was first started when a newly liberated Black girl had been traveling with her father when she died giving birth beneath the tree. By sharing this story, the tree is turned into a symbol of the history of Oak Knoll, which was founded by liberated Black individuals.
The tree also symbolizes both the delicacy and the destruction of the environment. The root system of trees is large and complex, and while they can sustain some damage, the amount of trauma caused by Brad’s house and pool construction was more than the tree could bear. The tree serves as a reminder that people should remain cognizant of the environment surrounding them. What humans do has a profound impact on trees, and trees have a profound impact on the health of the environment.
To Valerie, the tree is a symbol of Xavier and her memories of him. When she looks at the tree, she is reminded of her life with Xavier. The dying tree must be cut down shortly after Valerie moves out of her home, and the destruction of the tree symbolizes Xavier’s death. As the old oak tree symbolizes Xavier’s youth and his death, the new oak trees that she plants at the farm symbolize Xavier’s 18 years of life.
Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
Coming-of-Age Journeys
View Collection
Community
View Collection
Earth Day
View Collection
Family
View Collection
New York Times Best Sellers
View Collection
Popular Book Club Picks
View Collection
Popular Study Guides
View Collection
Romance
View Collection
School Book List Titles
View Collection
The Best of "Best Book" Lists
View Collection
Valentine's Day Reads: The Theme of Love
View Collection