What Giants Can Teach Humans
Oscar Wilde’s “The Selfish Giant”, uses the Giant as a metaphor to show the condition of mankind, including selfishness, self-reliance and an inability to recognise sin. He also shows that, like the Giant himself, humanity can be saved from such transgressions. In today’s society, people believe they can look after themselves and don’t feel the need to seek help. It is considered a weakness. The Giant represents the “giant mindset” that humans have: the belief that they are capable and strong enough to accomplish things on their own. Similar to the mighty Giant, people have an attitude of self-reliance and do not require assistance.
Selfishness is another attitude that humans have in common with giants. In the story, the selfishness of the giant and its effects are a major theme. Many people do not want to admit that they are selfish. Like the giant, most people hide many items from others for their own personal use. Most people are afraid that their possessions will get damaged or be overused. They then take such great care of them that they can’t enjoy them. The garden that the giant owns is a favorite place for kids to play. Readers will note that no damage is mentioned to the Giant’s property. However, he is furious upon discovering the children in the garden. The reader will notice that the Giant does not mention or show that he uses his garden. He only exiles the children from it and surrounds it with a wall. The Giant is only concerned with himself. He says the garden is his and that he will not allow anyone else to use it. (Hallett & Karasek, 257)
As a result, the Giant’s crime causes winter to stay in the enclosure all year long. The Giant is waiting for spring to arrive, as winter is cold and harsh. Similarly, the garden of the Giant is now as cold and sinful as his selfish and sinful heart. He cannot understand why spring is not here. The Giant’s garden and heart are both dead because people who reject the gospel of Christ have a heart that is also dead to their sin.
Shockingly, a huge transformation takes place. The Giant is now filled with hope, as is the rest of mankind. The song of a birdsong touches the Giant’s hearts, just as the Holy Spirit is able to reach out and change someone’s heart from sin into righteousness. As he softens the Giant’s heart and transforms from selfishness towards caring, spring comes to him. Wilde makes use of parallels to illustrate to the readers the effects that sin has on a person’s life.