Greenwood By Michael Christie Essay Topics

Greenwood by Michael Christie is a literary depiction of a family tree; it covers how three generations navigate struggles in different eras and are connected by their love for forestry. The novel begins in 2038 when Jake Greenwood is an overqualified tour guide at one of the last remaining forests in the whole world, first founded by her ancestors. Then, it is 1974, and Willow Greenwood finds herself advocating against her father’s environmentally harmful empires. Lastly, the novel changes to 1934, when brothers Harris and Everett Greenwood pursue divergent paths and fortuitously reunite in completely different social positions. Michael Christie’s Greenwood highlights the complexities of family dynamics through symbolism, literary imagery,

Willow and her father have completely contrasting values across all factors: politics, education, and work. Above all, their greatest disagreement is on matters regarding the environment. When engaging in ecological activism, Willow says, “Greenwood Timber has more impact on the environment than police violence, looming economic collapse, suburbanization, and wanton deforestation combined” (Christie 104). Her powerful advocacy allows readers to visualize the ecological impacts contributed by her father’s lumber corporation. To readers, Harris’ influence on the environment elicits frustration and remorse, causing them to side with Willow. Christie adequately uses a written portrayal of environmental effects to convey the troubled connection between a daughter and her

After over a decade with no contact, the brothers reconnect when Everett is on the verge of incarceration. He uses Harris’ name to free him from the situation by saying, “My brother is Harris Greenwood. That barn over there was built with Greenwood lumber” (Christie 373). While Everett escapes legal matters, Harris demands a large sum of money in exchange, despite knowing he is financially struggling. The deal between the brothers shows how Harris misuses his position of power to turn a risky situation into a profitable opportunity. Furthermore, the brothers were always equally skilled, studious, and disciplined, yet they were treated unfairly from a young age. By chance, Harris was personally recommended to an Ivy League by an authority, while Everett was expected to pursue demanding labour, leading to continuous mistreatment. The Ivy League comprises eight of the most renowned private universities in the United States (Carlton). Although they are related by chance, the characters’ distinct levels of hierarchy exemplify how social status can greatly influence and threaten a family