Short Story: A White Heron

Introduction
"A White Heron" is a short story composed by Sarah Orne Jewett in 1886. The story is set in rural New England and features two primary characters: Sylvia, a girl who survives on a farm with her granny and a good-looking, young ornithologist who is searching for an unusual white heron. As the narrative unfolds, Sylvia discovers herself torn between assisting the young man discover the bird and protecting the creature's life and habitat, even though she could use the cash that he provides for its discovery.

Plot Summary
The story begins with Sylvia, who has survived on her grandma's farm in rural New England for the past 3 years. She is a shy, introverted girl who loves nature and life in the countryside. A mystical and lovely hunter appears in Sylvia's life and soon catches her affection with his charm and understanding of birds. He is an ornithologist on a mission to find an unusual white heron that is reported to reside in the location and wants to pay ten dollars to anybody who can assist him discover it.

Sylvia's granny, Mrs. Tilley, welcomes the complete stranger to their house and informs him about Sylvia's capability to move through the forest as if she were a wild animal, befriending animals where ever she goes. The ornithologist is mesmerized by the idea of enlisting Sylvia's assistance to find the white heron and eagerly pays for her services. Sylvia, in turn, is enchanted by the young man's appeal and his stories of beautiful birds he has actually found on his journey.

However, Sylvia is hesitant to assist the stranger discover the heron, as she feels that it is an intrusion on the bird's life and house, triggering her an internal battle in between her newly found love for the hunter and her love for the heron. Regardless of her apprehension, she consents to accompany him into the woods and assist him discover the bird.

The pair search diligently for the heron, however are unable to find it as the day advances. Desperate, the boy suggests that Sylvia climb the highest tree in the forest and browse the horizon for any signs of the evasive bird. Identified to please the young ornithologist and make the much-needed 10 dollars for her grandma, Sylvia climbs the enormous evergreen with an amazing view.

As she arrives of the tree, she sees the white heron in its nest, its home, and experiences a moment of total connection with the bird and the natural world around her. This profound experience strengthens her resolve to protect the heron from the intruding hunter.

When she and the boy regroup, Sylvia does not reveal the place of the heron. Regardless of his pleading and offers of increased monetary benefits, she remains unfaltering, keeping the secret to herself. Ultimately, the ornithologist accepts that he will not find the heron this time and leaves from the farm.

Styles and Symbols
"A White Heron" explores themes of nature, innocence, and the conflict between the specific and society. Sylvia's affinity for nature and her love for the heron represent the beauty and pureness of the natural world, while the young ornithologist personifies society's greed and insensitivity towards nature. The white heron is a sign of innocence and pureness, and its destruction by the hunter would signify the triumph of society's values over nature's.

The story likewise examines the principle of selecting between personal gain and moral stability. Sylvia's option to secure the heron, even if it means losing the potential income and the affection of the lovely boy, represents her strong morality and commitment to the natural world in which she lives.

In conclusion, "A White Heron" is a poignant tale that highlights the struggle to maintain the charm and sanctity of nature in a quickly industrializing world. Through the character of Sylvia, the story teaches us that respecting and honoring the natural world is better than monetary rewards or fleeting affections.