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Why does the narrator visit East Boston Urban Center?
To see the tree in the O’Brien backyard
What is special about the tree in the story?
not a plastic one
It is a rare real tree
Why is having a backyard illegal in the story?
Because of zoning restrictions in the city
What does the narrator pick up at the end of the story?
An acorn
How did the O’Brien family avoid having their house demolished?
They were wealthy and politically powerful
Why does the narrator feel sad about leaving the tree?
Because the tree will be cut down soon
What will happen to the O’Brien house and tree at the end of the year?
They will be destroyed to make way for an insurance building
What does “urbanization” mean?
The process of building cities and making them bigger
What does “synthetic” mean?
not natural
Something made by humans
What is an “appraisal”?
An evaluation of something’s value
What does “heirs” mean?
People who inherit property or money
What does “antiseptic” mean?
Extremely clean and sterile
Why do you think the narrator felt so emotional about seeing the tree?
Because it was rare and alive in a world of plastic and metal
How would you feel if trees were rare
(Open-ended reflection)
like in the story?
Do you think it is fair to destroy the tree for a building? Why or why not?
(Open-ended reflection)
What does the story teach us about the importance of nature?
That we should value and protect natural things
