“A White Heron”

by Sarah Orne Jewett

Plot & Character(s)
The plot of “A White Heron” is about a nine-year-old girl named Sylvia, who is
trying to find her cow, Mistress Moolly. Her cow went missing and ran into the
woods. Sylvia gave Mistress Moolly a bell and tied it to a collar to put on her. Her
cow ran into the woods, leaving Sylvia alone and frightened. Her grandmother,
Mrs. Tilley, waited patiently for Sylvia and Moolly to come home.

Plot - Find Mistress Moolly

Characters - Sylvia (nine year old girl), Mistress Moolly (Cow), Mrs. Tilley
(Sylvia’s grandmother)
Setting & Conflict
The setting of “A White Heron” is on a June evening. Sylvia was out in the woods
one day, when she heard an unnatural whistle. She then fled and hid in the
bushes, but she was not quick enough. The man saw her and asked where the
nearest road was. He said he had lost his way and he was in need of shelter. The
man asked Sylvia if he could stay at her house with her and Mrs. Tilley, and Sylvia
was still afraid about what Mrs. Tilley would think about her showing up home with
a stranger. Mrs. Tilley graciously agreed to let the man stay the night.
Mood and Tone
The mood of “A White Heron” is very sad because Sylvia states that when she
hears about the man killing a white bird. He then said that it was “a white heron”
which in result, made Sylvia angry at the man. She loved all animals, and she was
disgusted that he would actually kill an animal for himself. The man explained that
he had a bird collection, and his last bird was that heron, in which were very rare
in the countryside. The characters’ tones are very sad and sorrowful.

Mood - Sad and sorrowful

Tone - Anger (Sylvia), Sad and sorrowful (Mrs. Tilley)

Overall Rating: 3.65

Reviewed by: Mayda

“This charming short story is akin to a fairy tale for adults. A case may be
made for deeper metaphorical meanings, but this tale should be enjoyed
simply for what it is. A girl, when asked to betray a beautiful creature, is not
swayed by gain but makes up her own mind. A wonderful tale of trust and
right.”

Review from:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/285665.A _White_H eron