1. Maria Luisa Bombal

2. Brigida- She is the main character. The short story is about her journey and self discovery. Luis-Friend of Brigida’s father, marries Brigida, he focuses on routine, his job, and mediocrity. Brigida’s father- widower who has to raise six daughters but gives up on Brigida. He does not puss formal education on Brigida and blames her for her “restarted/silly” personality. The Tree- Comforts Brigida and accompanies her in her self discovery. Five sisters- Brigida’s father takes more timed and effort into raising them. They receive various proposals of marriage and are later on well taken care of by their husbands.

3. Thesis- Bombal’s “tree” could represent as a symbol of Brigida’s inner child. The descriptions and behaviors of the tree could be interpreted as a reflection of the phases Brigida’s character goes through. She is married to Luis and implores for more attention from him, she wants to be loved. Luis is focused on his job, says he loves her but does not show it. He expects Brigida to be a good wife, who does not complain and that live happily with mediocrity and routine.

4. “It is the tree outside her dressing-room window. She has only to enter the room to experience an almost overpowering sense of well-being.” We know that she married Luis because he lets her be who was, he made her feel less guilty of her silly character. The tree as well could be a symbol of the state being of a child. Brigida was comfortable around that tree, it didn’t judge her or ask her to become someone she was not.

5. “It was the rubber tree, set in motion by the storm, knocking its branches on the glass- as though calling her to witness how it twisted and contorted like a fierce black flame under the burning sky of that summer night” Could represent the conflict and confusion Brigida’s inner child is having with society, her role as a wife, and the desired to live and be loved.

6. “The tree, Luis, The tree! They cut down the rubber tree.” Brigida was experiencing issues and was not satisfied with her life, she knew something was wrong but didn’t have the courage to leave Luis. The tree was the only thing that comforted her that had a close relationship to her personality and nature. When the tree is cut, she finally decides to leave Luis. She realizes Luis did not really love her and that even do she tried she did not love Luis either. Brigida’s inner child grows up is cut and she is able to move on.