The Education of Little Tree is a book written by Forrest Carter, published in the 1970s, which tells the story

of an orphaned boy who is sent to live with his Cherokee Indian grandparents in the Tennessee Mountains, and their journeys and struggles against the civilization of the white man. It is a story that has underlying messages which emphasize simplicity, family, culture and the love of nature. Each chapter has lessons that filter through which bolster the underlying themes of the story. In this report, we will look at the various chapters in the book and provide an insightful review. The story starts on a somber note as the protagonist states matter-of-factly the death of his parents and the dilemma which his relatives had in finding a new home for him. The little boy is only five years old when his grandparents, whom he calls Granma and Granpa, are saddled with him. His actual name is never revealed but Granma names him Little Tree when they arrive at their new home. This name is symbolic of his ties to the land and the animals. The story is told from Little Trees point of view and his innocence and trusting nature is revealed in many instances throughout the story. For example, on the bus ride after the funeral, the other passengers make racial ridicules to Granma and Grandpa but Little Tree thinks the other passengers are just being sociable. During the walk to their cabin, the vivid description of the scenery makes sure that the reader has a very clear detailed imaginative image about the wonderful trail. Little Tree feels the love from his grandparents especially when Granma makes him boot moccasins from deer leather which she spent a week on. Little Tree is impressed by this wonderful gift. Also, his grandpa takes him on a turkey hunt and teaches him Cherokee values of hunting and conservation and it becomes clear that the two will have a close relationship.

Grandpa, Grandma and Little Tree have grown closer and have mostly adapted to their new situation. Grandma reads to both of them in the evenings on weekends. Most books she read were stimulating to them, basically Shakespeare and stories on politics. Grandpa was apathetic to all politicians except George Washington so grandma would skip anything that wasnt positive about George Washington when reading. However, she slipped one night and read a piece on George Washington putting a tax on whiskey, thus deciding who could make whiskey and who would not. This deeply aggravated Grandpa who admired George Washington thus was disappointed by his law which he thought a bad decision and also, since he was a moonshiner. Little Tree and his Grandpa embark on a fox hunt where his grandpa teaches him more Cherokee values about harmony and connection with animals. Little Trees grandparents teach him their interpretation of the meaning of kinship. Rather than the meaning understood by most people of being related by blood, the Cherokee understand it to mean love and understanding. For one to love something, one must first understand it. Grandpa and grandma had understanding, so they had love. This understanding could run deeper than transience and so they called it kin. Grandpa tells Little Tree about the history of the Cherokee people. He learns that they were driven from their homes to the lands that the white man didnt fancy. They walked through many villages until their people started dying by the thousands. The people who watched them going through this ordeal cried for them and it is these people who gave the name to the Trail of Tears. As the book progresses, Little Tree close bond with his grandparents strengthens as they share various experiences. He meets their friends and becomes very educated in the Cherokee ways

and life. His love for nature and environment is demonstrated in great detail. Little Tree also experiences the deceptive nature of the white man by seeing their greedy and proud ways. Eventually, Little Tree is taken from his grandparents and sent to an orphanage because it is believed that he is not getting the right foundation from living with his grandparents. At the orphanage he is treated very badly by everyone except his roommate Wilburn who takes a liking to him. Little Tree is punished severely for being right in class though his teacher is ignorant of this. He receives a pleasant surprise when his grandpa and his friend Willow John come to rescue him from the orphanage after Christmas. His arrival back home is received with lots of elation, even from the hounds and Little Tree is able to go on with his Cherokee upbringing. Little Trees life and the fates of his family are illustrated until they all pass on, up to the last dog. In conclusion, the use of first person narration in the story gives the story a personal touch. Little Trees innocence as he recounts his experiences is brought out and we learn of his spirit as he seeks answers to private questions. Through his detailed observations, we gain an appreciation of the splendor of nature-the soil, the leaves, the behavior of the birds and animals and the mountains that hold special meaning for Little Tree. By virtue of his grandpas lessons, Little Tree learns to revere nature and rely on his instincts. He learns that he is never alone as long as he is one with nature and the trees, streams, birds, and deer are all brothers and sisters. We get a glimpse of a forgotten people and culture that emphasized an understanding and timeless wisdom that should be lauded for its rousing fortitude.