Significance of Trees

On two notable narrative occasions, trees play an important metaphoric role in the narrative. In chapter twenty-four, when Auggie and the boys climb Mr. Henderson's tree to steal apricots, the tree can be seen as a representation of the sort of challenges they, and by extension everyone, will face as they test themselves and emerge into adulthood. Meanwhile, in chapter thirty-six, trees seem to represent the steadfast American values of freedom, courage and compassion upon which the "vines" of immigrants can grow and thrive.