What Humans Can Learn from a GiantIn "The Selfish Giant," Oscar Wilde uses the characteristics of the giant to describe aspects of the human condition, notably autonomy. , selfishness and the inability to recognize sin, but it also shows how, just like the Giant, humanity can be saved from these transgressions. People today feel like they can take care of themselves and don't need to ask for help because it is seen as a sign of weakness. In the story, the giant symbolizes the "giant mentality" that humans possess: we are strong and capable of achieving things on our own. People are self-reliant and think they don't need help, like a mighty giant. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Another giant attitude that humans possess is that of selfishness. Much of the story involves showing how selfish the giant is and how it affects him. Humans don't like to admit it, but on the whole they are rather selfish and, just like the giant, many people own many possessions that might be enjoyed by others, but are hidden away for their use staff. There is a fear that an item will be damaged or overused, but more often than not, that item is then kept so carefully that it is not even appreciated by its owner. In "The Selfish Giant", the giant's garden is a place where children loved to play. The reader notices that there is no mention of property damage, and yet the Giant is furious when he discovers the children in his garden. He exiles them from his garden and builds a wall around it, and yet the reader may notice that there is no evidence or mention of the giant using the garden himself. The Giant only cares about himself and says that the garden belongs to him alone and that he "would not allow anyone to play in it but me." (Hallett and Karasek 257) Shortly after the garden is barricaded, spring ceases to visit this enclosure and winter resides there all year round because of the giant's sin. The winter is harsh and cold, and the Giant waits until it is spring. Just as the giant's sinful, selfish heart is cold, so is his once beautiful garden. He is dead to his sin and does not understand why spring has not come. When people did not accept the good news of Christ, their hearts also died to sin, which is a parallel to the heart of the giant and his garden. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. .Get a personalized essay. Suddenly, a great transformation occurs. There is a change in the air and hope for the Giant, and therefore for humanity too. The giant's heart is touched by a bird's song, just as a person's heart can be touched and changed by the Holy Spirit, thereby turning them from death to sin and life to righteousness. The death of winter passes away and spring returns to the giant as he softens his heart and changes his character from selfish to caring. Wilde effectively uses the parallels between the giant and human attitude to demonstrate to the reader the effects that sin can have on a person's life and how they can be redeemed..