The Shivering Tree

750 Words2 Pages

In the short story, The Shivering Tree, by John McLeod, past experiences are shown to have a profound effect on the development of an individual. Nanabush learns from his past mistakes which results in the growth of his maturity. In the story, Nanabush past experiences give him the ability to learn from his previous mistakes by turning his enemies into supporting allies, which assists him in resolving his conflict with the Juggler at the end. First, Nanabush act of making peace with Owl demonstrates his maturity, which puts in the right direction for success. Secondly, the growth of his maturity is displayed with Nanabush's final confrontation with the Juggler and permanently abandons him. Nanabush’s decision in making peace with Owl demonstrates …show more content…

Nanabush willingness “to be friends” with Owl provides a benefit to “restore” his “vision.” Nanabush’s realization that Owl was not the enemy, but rather that the fact that he is “ blind and his recognition that he is “already too far in debt” shows the growth of his maturity from his past. Overall, Nanabush’s agreement to make peace with Owl instead of enemies reveals his maturity because the decision provided him with benefits of vision, the payoff of debt, and the support of Owl. These benefits therefore set him up for success against the Juggler. Secondly, Nanabush demonstrates the growth of his maturity on his final confrontation with the Juggler. In his final confrontation with the Juggler, Nanabush deceives the Juggler into staying idle forever. On his path of getting water, Nanabush approaches a river and spots the Juggler, “‘I must think this out,’ Nanabush said to himself. ‘I must think quickly, though. I may not get another chance at this rascal; besides, in addition to being my …show more content…

Nanabush, the main protagonist, becomes more mature from learning from his past mistakes who assists him solving the conflict with the antagonist, the Juggler. First, Nanabush act of making peace with Owl demonstrates his maturity, which puts in the right direction for success. Secondly, the growth of his maturity is displayed with Nanabush's final confrontation with the Juggler and permanently abandons

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