The image of tree offers myriad interpretations. Infact in every culture, religion and country, the image of tree fetches various meanings. In some cultures trees are worshipped, in some cultures they are not. Some find soul in trees and consider them alive. There are some who find them totally inanimate. So, depending upon the cultural context and the life and mental state of the characters involved thereby, the image of trees delineates its meanings to the readers. Being an environmentalist as well as novelist, Morrison has dexterously employed the image of trees to picture the emotional, physical and mental state of the characters in the story. And that’s the reason why sometimes the image of trees bring good memories and sometimes they fetch bad memories for the characters.

Toni Morrison, Whites, Blacks, Trees, Family, Slavery.