Symbolism In The White Heron

Symbolism in The White Heron

Symbol #1

White Heron Trapped

Analysis #1

The heron doesn't have the freedom and it feels trapped because the hunter is looking for it.

Support #1.A

"She knew that strange bird, and had once soften softly near where it stood in some bright swamp grass, away over at the other side of the woods". (Jewett 489)

Support #1.B

"Nodding branches grew, and her grandmother knew that she might sink on the soft black mud underneath and never be heard about again".(489)

Symbol #2

Red

Analysis #2

It is significant because the red faced boy brings back memories about her childhood which in turn makes you believe something bad or evil happened to her and it had something to do with the color red. Also at the beginning of the story she is scared of the color red and by the end of the story she is begging to face her fears. Support #2

"First she must mount the white oak tree that grew alongside, where she was almost lost among dark braches and the green leaves heavy and wet with drew; a bird flattered of its nest and a red squirrel ran to and from and pettishly at the harmless house breaker".(486)

Support #2.B

"The thought of the great red faced boy went to chase and frighten her made me hurry along the path to escape from the shadows of the tree."(485)

Symbol #3

Tree