The Tree

The tree is at once both character and object symbolizing the sin of greed. The tree delivers that which a person most desires in exchange for a drop of the person’s soul. People become overwhelmed by their desires being fulfilled, trading more and more of their souls for easy gratification rather than actually earning such rewards or behaving morally. People therein sell their moral selves for what pleases them. The tree is joined with the Night Gardener, who protects and tends to the tree. Each time the tree is damaged or injured, so too is the Night Gardener. The tree is hardy, but not indestructible. Molly discovers the tree’s weakness, which is the knot hole that opens up into the green door room. The hole accepts only which it gifts, and so she lights letters received from the tree on fire and places...