"A White Heron" is a short story written by Sarah Orne Jewett. It tells the story of a young girl named Sylvia who lives in a rural area of New England with her grandmother. The story begins when a young ornithologist named Mr. Jones arrives in the area and begins searching for a rare white heron.
Sylvia is a young girl who lives in the rural area of New England with her grandmother. She is described as being a quiet and shy child, but also one who is very curious and adventurous. She is fascinated by the natural world around her and spends much of her time exploring the woods and fields.
Mr. Jones is the main male character in the story. He is a young ornithologist who has come to the area in search of a rare white heron. He is described as being very determined and dedicated to his work, and is willing to do whatever it takes to find the bird.
The grandmother is an elderly woman who cares for Sylvia and lives with her in the rural area. She is described as being kind and nurturing, and is very protective of Sylvia.
The white heron itself is a symbol of the beauty and purity of nature. It represents the natural world that Sylvia is so drawn to and is a constant presence in the story.
Throughout the story, Sylvia grapples with the decision of whether or not to help Mr. Jones find the white heron. On the one hand, she is tempted by the prospect of the reward that Mr. Jones has offered her for finding the bird. On the other hand, she is torn by her love for the natural world and her desire to protect it. In the end, she decides to keep the location of the heron a secret, choosing to protect the bird and the natural world over personal gain.
In "A White Heron," the characters of Sylvia, Mr. Jones, and the grandmother all represent different aspects of human nature. Sylvia represents the desire to explore and protect the natural world, while Mr. Jones represents the drive to pursue personal goals and achievements. The grandmother represents the nurturing and protective aspect of human nature, and the white heron itself represents the beauty and purity of the natural world. Together, these characters illustrate the complex relationship that humans have with the natural world and the difficult choices we must sometimes make in order to protect it.
