Jonathan Harrison January 4, 2009

Sarah Orne Jewett

"Her literary importance arises from her careful, if subdued, vignettes of country life that reflect a contemporary interest in local color rather than plot. Jewett possessed a keen descriptive gift that William Dean Howells called "an uncommon feeling for talk—I hear your people." ( wikipedia)

This quote holds extreme importance into the insight of Sarah Orne Jewett's true character. She was a country girl from Maine living in a time period of American history where the old ways of farming, and subsisting by oneself, was being pushed aside by rapidly increasing industries not only gaining power in her state but in the whole country itself. Her writings are a reminder to honer and value nature, and are easily relateable to the everyday man.

The story " A White Heron" is the tale of an eight year old girl walking through the woods on her her way home when she encounters a hunter who politely asks if he can have lodging for the night. Upon arrival at her cabin the grandmother of the little girl eagerly displays her hospitality towards the young hunter. The hunter than offers the little girl 10 dollars if she can show him where the elusive white heron lives. At first, the girls seems excited at the proposition of such a large amount of money, but an encounter with the heron on top of a huge tree, rapidly changes her mind. The little girl comes to the conclusion that no amount of money is worth this birds life.

"A White Heron" is reminder to us all that material possessions hold no value in comparison to the wonders of nature themselves. Their are constant examples given by Jewett to show the extent of this beauty. The majestic Tree that towers over the rest of the forest, but used to be one of many, and is now invaded by the new young pines that have invaded it's said territory subtly Que us to the fact that once nature is gone in can never be replaced the same way. The large tree is often described as having enormous beauty and the personification of it is the way Jewett tries to relate nature to the common man. This is an effort to conserve nature before we hastily destroy it and all the wonders it has to behold. The fact that Sylvia, is much more at home with nature compared to the hustle and bustle of the city, reveals to the reader that city life might not be the best way and a closeness to nature is what was intended for us. In a world hell bent on industrialization, Jewett would like us all to take a step back and soak in nature for all its worth, for if we don't do it now it may be too late. This frightening realization is brought home by the echo of the hunter's whistle, the fast growing presence of industry, which haunts Sylvia for the rest of her life.