Discussion Questions for 'The Wish Giver' by Bill Brittain

What does the 'tree man' symbolize in the story?

• Fate

• Chance

• Wishes and their consequences

• Something else entirely

How do the characters' wishes reveal their true desires or insecurities? What do the characters’ wishes say about them? Are their wishes driven by greed, insecurity, or something else? Do they learn anything about themselves by the end of their experience?

• The characters' wishes reveal their true desires and insecurities.

• The characters' wishes are driven solely by greed.

• The characters do not learn anything about themselves.

• The characters' wishes are unrelated to their true desires.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.K.3

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.5.3

What message does the author convey about wish fulfillment and the unintended consequences of getting what you want in the chapters with the tree man?

• Getting everything you want always leads to happiness.

• Wishes can have unintended consequences and may not lead to happiness.

• The characters' wishes always result in positive outcomes.

• The story suggests that wishes are irrelevant to happiness.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Is the tree man acting out of kindness or cruelty? Is he helping the characters, or teaching them a lesson in a difficult way?

• Kindness and helping the characters

• Cruelty and teaching a difficult lesson

• Kindness but teaching a difficult lesson

• Cruelty but helping the characters

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.K.3

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.3.3

What is the relationship between desire and consequence in the story? How do the characters' desires shape the outcomes of their wishes? What does this say about the nature of desires and their potential to lead to unforeseen consequences?

• Desires always lead to positive outcomes.

• Desires have no impact on the story's outcome.

• Desires can lead to unforeseen consequences.

• Desires are irrelevant to the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

How do the characters change after their encounters with the tree man?

• They become more thoughtful and self-aware.

• They become more reckless and impulsive.

• They remain unchanged.

• They become more fearful and withdrawn.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.K.3

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.5.3

Reflect on how the characters’ wishes turned out. Do you think you would make the same choices? Why or why not?

• Yes, because I believe their choices were wise.

• No, because I would prefer a different outcome.

• Yes, because their wishes align with my values.

• No, because I learned from their mistakes.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.K.3

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.5.3

What does the story teach about the value of thinking carefully before making decisions?

• It shows that impulsive decisions lead to success.

• It highlights the importance of considering long-term effects.

• It suggests that quick decisions are always beneficial.

• It implies that decisions should be made without any thought.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

How does the author use the tree man to explore the theme of human nature?

• By highlighting human greed through the tree man's interactions.

• By showcasing human impatience in the characters' responses.

• By revealing human wisdom through the tree man's actions.

• By pushing characters to confront their weaknesses.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

What role does the setting play in the story, particularly the mysterious nature of the tree man’s world?

• It provides a backdrop for the characters' development.

• It enhances the mystery and intrigue of the narrative.

• It serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's inner conflict.

• It is irrelevant to the story's main themes.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.K.3

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.5.3