What are some symbolism, themes, motifs, and imagery for The White Heron by Sarah Orne Jewett?

Answer 1

Western dualism as shown by the constant appearance of the colors black and white throughout the story.
Black (darkness, ignorance, misguidedness, and evil.)
White (light, good, awakening, and freedom)
But Sylvia eyes are grey.
Also is the recurring imagees of freedom and entrapment, soaring and dropping.
It is a story of man vs man as well as man vs nature and the symbolism also represents man vs himself.
Three main symbols are: the geranium, a withered away flower, a pine tree, tall and vast in space, and a heron, unique, free, and alive.
Sylvia's choice to remain silent, is the crucial element in the story. When the feather of the heron rises, it symbolizes Sylvia's awakening.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What are some symbolism, themes, motifs, and imagery for The White Heron by Sarah Orne Jewett?

Answer 3

A White Heron Symbolism

Answer 4

Here's what one reviewer on Amazon thinks:
Jewett's short vignettes were dismissed in her lifetime as "mere sketches" of regional life. If you want fast-moving action based plots, these aren't your thing. But the short, loosely interconnected pieces in this collection are wonderful images of a time, place and lifestyle. The domestic world of 19th century women, as well as New England, are painted with a light brush. People interested in early environmentalism/naturalism will find "A White Heron" a depiction of a growing awareness of humanity/nature's interconnectedness.

Answer 5

it was a long LONG time ago i read this book, it was for a professor who believed she was sarah orne jewett in a previous life

we discussed the island as a womb (all the women living there)
the trees were phallus. read it and keep in mind sexuality. anything in nature is sexual. she was a feminist and would have written about the celebration of women in sexuality, free of opression.

Answer 6

The link below will help.