
The Selfish Giant
by Oscar Wilde
Free
A selfish Giant bans children from his beautiful garden, causing it to fall into eternal winter. When he later sees a small boy unable to climb a tree, his heart softens. He welcomes the children back, and spring returns. Years later, the boy reappears with wounds on his hands and feet, symbolizing divine love. The Giant dies peacefully, redeemed by his kindness.
Themes: Selfishness vs. kindness, redemption, the innocence of children, and spiritual love.