Powers continues to use Patricia’s storyline to mix science with fantastical elements like this tree-woman, who recalls the myth of Baucis and Philemon being rewarded by being transformed into trees.
The Overstory draws attention to the prevalence of this myth in other traditions as well, as many cultures recognize and celebrate our connection to trees. This, the book suggests, is something we have largely forgotten in the modern world. If we saw trees as being like people, we would not cut them down so cavalierly.