In the Novel “The Overstory“, by Richard Powers, we are introduced to a couple (and later a family) which has moved out into the Rural area of Prospect Hill, Brooklyn. The Head of the Family, Jorgen Hoel, plants 6 chestnut trees; These trees provide people with not only wood but also a food source. It is mentioned that if the ground were to shake a bit the food would come to the ground “..by the shovelful”, (p.5). This gives us a feel for the importance of these trees. These trees, however, seem to have a tie with the main character’s lives. For example, when the first new born dies during infancy:
“Their Firstborn dies in infancy..”
“One of the six chestnuts fails to sprout.” (p. 7)
After these devastating blows we are informed that Jorgen does not give up, and he keeps them up to prevent this source to be taken away from them. Overall the beginning of this book shoes true power of will, where after such seemingly hard hits the father does not give up. It is also pretty interesting and symbolic to see the nature aspect tie in with the humans. One last interesting part that I noticed would be the way they all depend on this tree. This shows how dependent we are on nature as well as raises questions based on how close are tied to nature today.