Sarah Orne Jewett's "The White Heron"

There is nothing that truly satisfies me like a Romantic story, poem, or novel. Yet I suppose that is because I am a Romantic at heart, a person truly connected with nature. There is obviously more than just that element to Romanticism, and such elements are displayed in Sarah Orne Jewett's story about a little girl named Sylvia who has to make a choice whether to part ways with Romanticism or to embrace it. Of course, the story is "The White Heron," and is the only true Romantic piece that we have read this quarter.

The story starts with the basic background of Sylvia, the little girl who was born in California but sent to her grandmother's in rural New England, away from the big city and into life on the fringes of society. In this rural area resides the white heron, a very beautiful bird, and highly treasured by bird lovers. It is no surprise then to Sylvia, when the young man shows interest in all of the birds surrounding Sylvia's forest. Sylvia even begins to show feelings of love for the man (this is important because feelings are an important part of Romantic literature). However, as it turns out, the man offers her 10 dollars in exchange for the White Heron, a very tempting offer for a poor family, and so Sylvia must decide between the bird (her friend) and the money (a better life for her grandmother and her).

In the end, after seeing that the white heron has a mate, Sylvia does not betray the nature that her name embodies and her person relates with, and so stays connected with nature--the major tenet of Romanticism.

Yet here is another issue to discuss--that being the issue of situational ethics. Or more simply put, what would one do in a win-win or lose-lose situation? How can a decision be made that isn't biased toward the protection of oneself? I am only asking the questions, because frankly, I do not think that I can answer that question completely or even give it due justice.

I would probably stay with nature, because money does not really matter in the whole scheme of life sublime and serene. I told you I was a Romantic.

In my own life, I have had to make some difficult decisions. I once wanted to be a scientist, but nature, art, and beauty surrounded me and I could not refrain from its call. For its call not only gave more knowledge of the universe, but also made the heart and mind find rest, peace, and utter fulfillment. I chose the one that would draw me closer to who I wanted to be--in a spiritual and emotional sense.

What would you choose?