Split Cherry Tree

by Jesse Stuart

A monograph based on a Jesse Stuart short story of a boy striving to gain an education, a teacher standing against an angry parent, and father/son conflicts. This is one of Stuart's most popular stories. Classroom helps included are: study questions and a chronology of Jesse Stuart's life.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Classics

56 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1990

About the author

Jesse Hilton Stuart was an American writer known for writing short stories, poetry, and novels about Southern Appalachia. Born and raised in Greenup County, Kentucky, Stuart relied heavily on the rural locale of Northeastern Kentucky for his writings. Stuart was named the Poet Laureate of Kentucky in 1954. He died at Jo-Lin nursing home in Ironton, Ohio, which is near his boyhood home.

Reviews

[Patricia]

Reminds me of my Dad's childhood.

[Jeremy Maddux · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story isn't a masterpiece, but it always relaxes me with its simplicity. It's not exciting at all, but it effects my Alpha Waves enough that I can always get to sleep fast. Plus, with all the south shaming going on in popular culture right now, I figured it was as good a time as any to shun the thousands of stories with protagonists that have emo surfer accents and mysterious pasts linked to their fathers or lack thereof.

[Professor Ratigon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I might fall in love with the world of short stories....

[Barb H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read only this title story for my book group. I was totally surprised and delighted to discover how much I enjoyed this tale after reading the first few paragraphs.


To be continued.... !

[Estelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Split Cherry Tree” by Jesse Stuart (1906-1984) is a short story narrating an episode in the life of Dave, a high school student (who is also the narrator) in the countryside. The time context is however quite vague, as it is not mentioned, but since it was published in 1939, we can assume that it is somewhere in that time area.

This is a story about the relationship between a father and his son’s professor, and the mutual friendship and respect they developed for each other throughout the story, viewed through the son’s eyes.

Personally, I thought this story was quite simple and easy to read but also quite heartwarming at the same time.
I would recommend this for anyone bored or needing a bit of distraction.

[Ann T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous!! So many lessons to be taught and learned in this short story. I plan to read this one to my kids real soon. The best lesson for me was RESPECT. Each character showing their respect to every character no matter the age and cultural difference. Loved this and it landed on "my favorite books" shelf.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story. Enjoyable.

[Rebekah Gunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story I read for school, took me about 20-30 minutes. very simple but the simplicity kinda pushes the point of the story, which is the value of education.

[Britt Halliburton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite not being American, I can relate to this short story easily, showing that the gulf between the educated and uneducated happens across the globe in the same manner. I was that child with embarrassing parents, ignorant and often angry. I was often simply grateful to get through an interview of my mother with a teacher or the parents of my friends, without feeling ashamed. So this resonated with me greatly, being the kid learning and becoming a well educated student with parents not only incapable of helping me, but often wilfully, and arrogantly, dismissive of it. I wouldn't say they were half so bad as the chap in this story, mind. They are both proud of what I have done with myself, despite comments of 'I never needed to go to university', etc. And just when you think this story is going to go very poorly for our protagonist, the father is a human after all. And, honestly, as a man now, I see something in this old man too! I believe many feel left behind when the world goes on without them. Things changed so much and you either adapt and allow it to take over, or you rail against it. A happy ending, a positive ending. The characterisation is excellent and while the story itself won't set your mind on fire, to those of us who can relate to this situation, you will feel something in this piece.