Grant Wood wanted to preserve the traditional American folklore represented in Parson
Weems' Fable when, during a period following the Depression, some intellectuals wanted
to do away with many of our American myths and folktales. In this painting, Wood
wanted to help reawaken interest in the cherry tree and other bits of American folklore
that are too good to lose.
This painting presents Parson Mason Locke Weems pulling back the curtain to show us
the legendary George Washington cherry tree story. The position of Weems' hand directs
the viewer's eye to young George and his father. The gathering storm clouds seem to
reinforce the tension between the father and son. The boy's head is borrowed from the
Gilbert Stuart portrait with which we are all familiar because it also appears on our onedollar
bills. In Parson Weems' Fable, the viewer sees a young George looking not noble
or dignified, but a bit worried, as he faces his father who is demanding that he hand over
the hatchet.