The Selfish Giant
by Oscar Wilde · from The Happy Prince, and Other Tales
Adapted Version
Once there was a big garden. It was very beautiful. Children loved to play there every day.
The Children played in the garden. Green grass was soft. Flowers looked like stars. Birds sang sweet songs. The Children were very happy.
One day The Giant came back. He was very angry. "Go away!" he said. The Children ran fast. The Giant built a high wall. He put up a sign.
The Children had no place to play. The road was hard. It was dusty. They missed the garden. They wanted to play there.
Spring came to other places. Flowers grew. Birds sang songs. But not in The Giant's garden. It was still cold. Snow stayed there.
The Giant looked outside. He saw only snow. "Why is Spring late?" he asked. He felt a little sad. He did not know why.
One morning The Giant heard a bird. It sang a sweet song. He looked outside. He saw The Children. They came through a hole. Spring came with them.
The Giant saw a Small Boy. He was very small. The tree was tall. The Small Boy cried. He could not reach.
The Giant felt kind. He was sorry now. He went downstairs. He opened the door. He picked up the boy. He put him in the tree.
The tree grew flowers. The Small Boy smiled. He kissed The Giant. The Children came back. Spring stayed in the garden. Everyone was happy.
The Giant took an axe. He broke the high wall. His garden was for all. The Children played there. It was their garden now.
The Small Boy went away. The Giant played with The Children. He missed his friend. He thought of the boy. He wanted him back.
Many years went by. The Giant grew very old. He sat in a chair. He watched The Children play. He loved his garden.
One cold morning he looked. He saw The Small Boy. He stood under a tree. The tree had white flowers. Golden fruit hung down.
The Small Boy smiled. He spoke to The Giant. "You were kind to me. Come to my special home. It is a happy place."
The Giant felt peace. He went with the boy. The Children came later. They found The Giant. He slept under the tree. White flowers covered him.
Original Story
The Selfish Giant.
Every afternoon, as they were coming from school, the children used to go and play in the Giant’s garden.
It was a large lovely garden, with soft green grass. Here and there over the grass stood beautiful flowers like stars, and there were twelve peach-trees that in the spring-time broke out into delicate blossoms of pink and pearl, and in the autumn bore rich fruit. The birds sat on the trees and sang so sweetly that the children used to stop their games in order to listen to them. “How happy we are here!” they cried to each other.
One day the Giant came back. He had been to visit his friend the Cornish ogre, and had stayed with him for seven years. After the seven years were over he had said all that he had to say, for his conversation was limited, and he determined to return to his own castle. When he arrived he saw the children playing in the garden.
“What are you doing here?” he cried in a very gruff voice, and the children ran away.
“My own garden is my own garden,” said the Giant; “any one can understand that, and I will allow nobody to play in it but myself.” So he built a high wall all round it, and put up a notice-board.
He was a very selfish Giant.
The poor children had now nowhere to play. They tried to play on the road, but the road was very dusty and full of hard stones, and they did not like it. They used to wander round the high wall when their lessons were over, and talk about the beautiful garden inside. “How happy we were there,” they said to each other.
Then the Spring came, and all over the country there were little blossoms and little birds. Only in the garden of the Selfish Giant it was still winter. The birds did not care to sing in it as there were no children, and the trees forgot to blossom. Once a beautiful flower put its head out from the grass, but when it saw the notice-board it was so sorry for the children that it slipped back into the ground again, and went off to sleep. The only people who were pleased were the Snow and the Frost. “Spring has forgotten this garden,” they cried, “so we will live here all the year round.” The Snow covered up the grass with her great white cloak, and the Frost painted all the trees silver. Then they invited the North Wind to stay with them, and he came. He was wrapped in furs, and he roared all day about the garden, and blew the chimney-pots down. “This is a delightful spot,” he said, “we must ask the Hail on a visit.” So the Hail came. Every day for three hours he rattled on the roof of the castle till he broke most of the slates, and then he ran round and round the garden as fast as he could go. He was dressed in grey, and his breath was like ice.
“I cannot understand why the Spring is so late in coming,” said the Selfish Giant, as he sat at the window and looked out at his cold white garden; “I hope there will be a change in the weather.”
But the Spring never came, nor the Summer. The Autumn gave golden fruit to every garden, but to the Giant’s garden she gave none. “He is too selfish,” she said. So it was always Winter there, and the North Wind, and the Hail, and the Frost, and the Snow danced about through the trees.
One morning the Giant was lying awake in bed when he heard some lovely music. It sounded so sweet to his ears that he thought it must be the King’s musicians passing by. It was really only a little linnet singing outside his window, but it was so long since he had heard a bird sing in his garden that it seemed to him to be the most beautiful music in the world. Then the Hail stopped dancing over his head, and the North Wind ceased roaring, and a delicious perfume came to him through the open casement. “I believe the Spring has come at last,” said the Giant; and he jumped out of bed and looked out.
What did he see?
He saw a most wonderful sight. Through a little hole in the wall the children had crept in, and they were sitting in the branches of the trees. In every tree that he could see there was a little child. And the trees were so glad to have the children back again that they had covered themselves with blossoms, and were waving their arms gently above the children’s heads. The birds were flying about and twittering with delight, and the flowers were looking up through the green grass and laughing. It was a lovely scene, only in one corner it was still winter. It was the farthest corner of the garden, and in it was standing a little boy. He was so small that he could not reach up to the branches of the tree, and he was wandering all round it, crying bitterly. The poor tree was still quite covered with frost and snow, and the North Wind was blowing and roaring above it. “Climb up! little boy,” said the Tree, and it bent its branches down as low as it could; but the boy was too tiny.
And the Giant’s heart melted as he looked out. “How selfish I have been!” he said; “now I know why the Spring would not come here. I will put that poor little boy on the top of the tree, and then I will knock down the wall, and my garden shall be the children’s playground for ever and ever.” He was really very sorry for what he had done.
So he crept downstairs and opened the front door quite softly, and went out into the garden. But when the children saw him they were so frightened that they all ran away, and the garden became winter again. Only the little boy did not run, for his eyes were so full of tears that he did not see the Giant coming. And the Giant stole up behind him and took him gently in his hand, and put him up into the tree. And the tree broke at once into blossom, and the birds came and sang on it, and the little boy stretched out his two arms and flung them round the Giant’s neck, and kissed him. And the other children, when they saw that the Giant was not wicked any longer, came running back, and with them came the Spring. “It is your garden now, little children,” said the Giant, and he took a great axe and knocked down the wall. And when the people were going to market at twelve o’clock they found the Giant playing with the children in the most beautiful garden they had ever seen.
All day long they played, and in the evening they came to the Giant to bid him good-bye.
“But where is your little companion?” he said: “the boy I put into the tree.” The Giant loved him the best because he had kissed him.
“We don’t know,” answered the children; “he has gone away.”
“You must tell him to be sure and come here to-morrow,” said the Giant. But the children said that they did not know where he lived, and had never seen him before; and the Giant felt very sad.
Every afternoon, when school was over, the children came and played with the Giant. But the little boy whom the Giant loved was never seen again. The Giant was very kind to all the children, yet he longed for his first little friend, and often spoke of him. “How I would like to see him!” he used to say.
Years went over, and the Giant grew very old and feeble. He could not play about any more, so he sat in a huge armchair, and watched the children at their games, and admired his garden. “I have many beautiful flowers,” he said; “but the children are the most beautiful flowers of all.”
One winter morning he looked out of his window as he was dressing. He did not hate the Winter now, for he knew that it was merely the Spring asleep, and that the flowers were resting.
Suddenly he rubbed his eyes in wonder, and looked and looked. It certainly was a marvellous sight. In the farthest corner of the garden was a tree quite covered with lovely white blossoms. Its branches were all golden, and silver fruit hung down from them, and underneath it stood the little boy he had loved.
Downstairs ran the Giant in great joy, and out into the garden. He hastened across the grass, and came near to the child. And when he came quite close his face grew red with anger, and he said, “Who hath dared to wound thee?” For on the palms of the child’s hands were the prints of two nails, and the prints of two nails were on the little feet.
“Who hath dared to wound thee?” cried the Giant; “tell me, that I may take my big sword and slay him.”
“Nay!” answered the child; “but these are the wounds of Love.”
“Who art thou?” said the Giant, and a strange awe fell on him, and he knelt before the little child.
And the child smiled on the Giant, and said to him, “You let me play once in your garden, to-day you shall come with me to my garden, which is Paradise.”
And when the children ran in that afternoon, they found the Giant lying dead under the tree, all covered with white blossoms.
Story DNA
Moral
True happiness and the beauty of life are found in sharing and generosity, not in selfish possession.
Plot Summary
A selfish Giant returns to his castle, drives children out of his beautiful garden, and builds a wall, causing his garden to fall into perpetual winter. When children sneak back in, bringing spring with them, the Giant's heart melts upon seeing a small boy struggling. He helps the boy, tears down the wall, and shares his garden with all children. Years later, the now-old Giant is visited by the same boy, revealed to be a Christ-like figure, who takes him to Paradise, signifying his ultimate redemption.
Themes
Emotional Arc
isolation to connection | selfishness to redemption | sorrow to peace
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Oscar Wilde's fairy tales often blend whimsical elements with profound moral and spiritual themes, reflecting Victorian societal values and Christian symbolism.
Plot Beats (15)
- Children play joyfully in the Giant's beautiful garden every afternoon.
- The Giant returns after seven years, chases the children away, and builds a high wall around his garden, putting up a 'No Trespassing' sign.
- The children are left with nowhere pleasant to play, longing for the garden.
- Spring arrives everywhere else, but the Giant's garden remains in perpetual winter, as the birds and trees refuse to participate without the children.
- The Giant is puzzled and saddened by the endless winter in his garden.
- One morning, the Giant hears a bird sing and sees children have crept back into his garden through a hole, bringing spring with them.
- He notices one small boy crying, unable to reach the branches of a tree in the last wintry corner.
- The Giant's heart melts; he realizes his selfishness, goes downstairs, and gently helps the little boy into the tree.
- The tree blossoms, the boy kisses the Giant, and the other children, seeing the Giant's kindness, return, bringing spring permanently.
- The Giant knocks down the wall, and his garden becomes a shared playground for all the children.
- The little boy disappears, and though the Giant plays with the children daily, he longs for his special friend.
- Years pass, the Giant grows old and frail, still watching the children play.
- One winter morning, he sees the little boy under a tree covered in white blossoms and golden fruit, bearing nail wounds on his hands and feet.
- The child reveals the wounds are 'of Love' and invites the Giant to his garden, which is Paradise.
- The children find the Giant dead under the tree, covered in white blossoms, having ascended to Paradise.
Characters
The Selfish Giant ★ protagonist
A man of immense size and strength, initially imposing and gruff. Over many years, he becomes very old and feeble, his once powerful frame stooped and weakened by age, though still retaining his large stature. His skin, initially perhaps ruddy from outdoor life, would become wrinkled and pale with advanced age.
Attire: Initially, practical, heavy clothing suitable for a large, solitary figure, perhaps a thick wool tunic and trousers in muted, earthy tones, possibly with a fur-lined cloak for warmth, reflecting a European, possibly Celtic, setting. In his old age, he would wear comfortable, simple, loose-fitting garments, perhaps a long, plain linen shirt and trousers, suitable for sitting in an armchair.
Wants: Initially, to protect his property and maintain his solitude. Later, his primary motivation becomes a deep longing for the return of the little boy and the joy of the children in his garden.
Flaw: His initial selfishness and possessiveness, which isolates him and brings perpetual winter to his garden. His deep emotional attachment to the little boy also makes him vulnerable to sadness.
Transforms from a cruel, selfish recluse who drives children away and causes his garden to fall into perpetual winter, to a loving, generous, and beloved figure who welcomes children, restores spring to his garden, and ultimately finds spiritual redemption and peace.
Initially selfish, gruff, possessive, and isolated. He undergoes a profound transformation, becoming remorseful, kind, loving, gentle, and deeply compassionate.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly, very tall, broad-shouldered man with a kind, wrinkled face, a long white beard, and gentle blue eyes. He wears a simple, loose-fitting, long cream linen tunic and dark brown wool trousers. His posture is slightly stooped with age, but his expression is warm and benevolent. He is standing, looking down with a soft smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Little Boy ◆ supporting
A very small, delicate child, notably tiny compared to the Giant. His hands and feet bear the distinct marks of nail prints, suggesting a divine or symbolic nature. His complexion is fair and innocent.
Attire: Simple, plain, light-colored clothing, perhaps a white or pale blue linen tunic, suggesting purity and innocence. It is not described in detail, implying its simplicity and focus on his spiritual nature.
Wants: To bring love and redemption to the Giant, and to offer him passage to Paradise.
Flaw: His physical vulnerability as a small child, though this is overshadowed by his spiritual strength.
He acts as the catalyst for the Giant's transformation and ultimately guides the Giant to Paradise, fulfilling a redemptive role.
Innocent, vulnerable, loving, forgiving, and ultimately, divine and redemptive. He embodies pure, unconditional love.
Image Prompt & Upload
A very small, delicate child, appearing no older than five, with soft, light golden-blonde hair and large, gentle blue eyes. He wears a simple, knee-length white linen tunic. On the palms of his hands and the tops of his bare feet are faint, circular red marks resembling nail prints. He stands with a serene, loving smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Children ◆ supporting
A group of diverse children, generally small and nimble, capable of creeping through a hole in a wall and climbing trees. Their appearance would reflect typical European children of the late 19th century.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for play, such as linen smocks, wool trousers, simple dresses, and sturdy shoes or clogs, in muted colors typical of the period and social class.
Wants: To find a place to play and experience happiness.
Flaw: Their vulnerability to the Giant's initial anger and their inability to help the little boy when he disappears.
They are initially driven away, then return to bring joy and spring back to the garden, and finally become the Giant's companions and the inheritors of his garden.
Joyful, innocent, playful, easily frightened, but also forgiving and resilient.
Image Prompt & Upload
A group of three diverse children, aged 6-10, playing in a garden. One girl with two long brown braids wears a blue linen dress and a white apron. Another boy with short blonde hair wears a grey wool tunic and brown trousers. A third child with dark curly hair wears a green smock. They are all smiling and laughing, looking up at blossoming trees. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Giant's Garden (Spring/Summer)
A large, lovely garden with soft green grass, dotted with beautiful flowers like stars. Twelve peach trees blossom delicately in pink and pearl in spring and bear rich fruit in autumn. Birds sing sweetly from the branches. The garden is enclosed by a high wall, later removed.
Mood: Joyful, idyllic, peaceful, vibrant, full of life and warmth
Children play happily before the Giant's return; the garden's transformation back to spring after the Giant's change of heart; the Giant's final moments.
Image Prompt & Upload
A lush, vibrant English country garden in full spring bloom. Soft green grass stretches underfoot, interspersed with clusters of colorful wildflowers. Twelve mature peach trees with delicate pink and pearl blossoms stand tall, their branches gently swaying. Bright sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Giant's Garden (Perpetual Winter)
The same garden, but covered in a great white cloak of snow. The trees are painted silver with frost, and the North Wind roars through, blowing down chimney-pots. Hail rattles on the castle roof and runs around the garden. No blossoms, no fruit, no birdsong.
Mood: Desolate, cold, barren, eerie, silent, unwelcoming
The garden remains in winter due to the Giant's selfishness; the Giant observes the bleakness from his window.
Image Prompt & Upload
A desolate English country garden trapped in perpetual winter. Deep, undisturbed snow blankets the ground, and every branch of the gnarled trees is encrusted with glittering silver frost. A biting North Wind whips through the barren landscape, stirring up flurries of snow. The sky is a heavy, leaden grey, casting a cold, muted light over the scene. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Farthest Corner of the Garden
A specific section of the garden, initially remaining in winter even as the rest of the garden blooms. A small, frost-covered tree stands here, with a tiny boy unable to reach its branches, crying bitterly. Later, this tree is covered in lovely white blossoms with golden branches and silver fruit, and the little boy stands beneath it.
Mood: Initially sorrowful and cold; later, sacred, miraculous, awe-inspiring, peaceful
The Giant's first act of kindness towards the little boy; the Giant's final encounter with the boy, revealing his divine nature, and the Giant's death.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sacred corner of an English garden, bathed in an ethereal, soft light. A small, ancient tree stands, its branches now covered in delicate white blossoms, shimmering with an inner golden glow. Silver, dew-kissed fruit hangs gently from the boughs. Beneath the tree, the ground is covered in soft, verdant moss. The air is still and reverent. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
