A White Heron Group

Question:


dtb75
Student
College - Sophomore

From the story written by Sarah Orne Jewett, "A White Heron," what are two character traits for both women?

What is your impression of Sylvia and her grandmother, Mrs. Tilley?

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Posted by dtb75 on Wednesday July 1, 2009 at 2:53 PM and tagged with characters, mrs. tilley, sylvia.

Answers:


  1. mrs-campbell Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Sylvia is a child that is mature beyond her years, a bit of a social recluse (she hides in the bushes when she hears a human whistle), sweet and helpful, observant and solitary.  She enjoys being by herself, thinking, and pondering nature's beauty (she feels lucky to live in the country, instead of in the dirty, crowded city she came from).  She is able to, at a young age, make a mature decision not to show the hunter where the bird is, which shows that she recognizes perspective and priorities, and is wise.

    The grandmother seems to be kind; she allows the hunter to stay overnight, and chats amiably with him.  However, she does hold strict rule over Sylvia; Sylvia is worried that "her grandmother would be upset" if she got home late, and her grandmother orders her to get a plate for the hunter.  So the grandmother is both kind and strict.  I hope that these thoughts help a bit; good luck!

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/white-heron
    http://www.enotes.com/white-heron/characters

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    Posted by mrs-campbell on Wednesday July 1, 2009 at 3:14 PM