Solution

The result of the villagers greed and hatred is that Forest is attacking anyone that goes in it. This includes Kira and Matty, while they are heading back to village. It also includes Leader who is trying to get to them and help the two characters. Although, the solution comes into light and Matty saves the day. He uses his unique healing abilities to cure the ills of that fantasy world but, kills himself in the process. The novel says, "Matty groaned and pressed his hands harder into the ground. All of his strength and blood and breath were entering the earth now. His brain and spirit became part of the earth." (Lowry, chap 21). This implies that Matty is using his powers to heal Village, Forest and everyone else. Also that he is giving his life up in the process by saying that his "strength and blood and breath were entering the earth now.". Even though Matty dies in the end, the solution of the story is optimistic. Everyone is saved, and they can be happier now that they are out of the darkness.

In Forest, the trees have acid sap!