"The White Heron"

Book Review # 99435

English > Analysis
Literature
Philosophy > Ancient Greek
Philosophy > Ethics

"The White Heron"

This paper focuses on the moral philosophy of the character of Sylvia in Sarah Jewett's "The White Heron".

2,527 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses Sarah Jewett's short story "The White Heron", where the main character consistently demonstrates that she has the inner strength that allows her independence from the world. The paper focuses on Sylvia's strength of character and powerful convictions. The paper discusses Plato's beliefs of morality and how Sylvia is the epitome of the virtuous human being that Plato found difficult to imagine.

From the Paper:

"In Sarah Jewett's short story The White Heron, the main character consistently demonstrates that she has the inner strength that allows her independence from the world. Although she has been controlled by her parents and her grandmother, their power over her exists only on the surface of her existence because the character is guided by a conscience that is more powerful than the will of others. This conscience allows the character to see the world in a different manner than those around her, as she places a higher value on life than on monetary gain. Therefore, while others strive to take any opportunity to find relief from poverty, the character has the strength to embrace it rather than toss aside what she values most."

Sample of Sources Used:

"Ethics". Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 16 September 2006. <http://www.iep.utm.edu/e/ethics.htm>
Jewett, Sarah. "A White Heron". Coe Edu. 1997. 16 September 2006. < http://www.public.coe.edu/~theller/soj/awh/heron.htm>