Analysis Of A White Heron By Sarah Orne Jewett

Toward the end of “A White Heron”, Sylvia decides that she must turn away from the social world “for a bird’s sake” (p 203). While Sylvia’s struggle may seem ridiculous for some, her choice does display remarkable courage and signify a modest attitude that the author would like to promote. In 1886, the American writer Sarah Orne Jewett published the story which has remained to be one of her most critically acclaimed works. Jewett had an enthusiasm for the New England country life, which was closely related to her childhood. The fragile Jewett spent plenty of time in the open air with her father, who was a country doctor, and became attached to her neighbours including a robin and a poppy (Jewett, 1911). Jewett then gained an opportunity to …show more content…
Bernhard (2012) writes that he is an arrogant intruder who attempts to invade the exclusive space of the heron and Sylvia, and shares a common feature of hunters, who tend to make a glorified excuse for their destructive behavior. The sportsman even suggests buying the information about the heron so casually that Sylvia finds it incomprehensible. His attempt to exploit Sylvia’s fondness for him and Mrs. Tilley’s need for money can corrupt the innocent girl. The sportsman takes it for granted that the women and the bird are his possessions because he considers all of them as rightfully subordinate to his …show more content…
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (2015) regulates activities which are not helpful “in the protection or understanding of wildlife” in Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. The authority allows bass and commercial fishing as long as the sportsmen or fishermen abide by the law. Citizens can view and take photographs of wild animals and plants too. According to National Wildlife Refuge System (2015), wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing are “legitimate” and “appropriate” if they are “compatible” with the environment, probably because the association is set up merely for the interest of Americans. The rules are irresponsible and ridiculous. The legal activities such as bird-watching and bass fishing will definitely affect the wildlife’s well-being, habitat and reproduction. For instance, bird observation and photo-taking, which are usually claimed to be relatively mild practices, make them nervous and hinder their mating. In other words, human activities dependent on the environment can never be ‘compatible’ with or even ‘protective’ of nature, just as hunting won’t be a loving behavior regardless of the