Slyvia: The Hero

A hero is one who has an astonishing amount of courage and the willingness to help others. Ralph Waldo Emerson believes "a hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave minutes longer." Others may view a hero as being a dominant male who always saves the day. Regionalist Sarah Orne Jewett may argue the opposite of a hero strictly being a male. In all of Jewett's stories her main characters are usually female. In Sarah Orne Jewett's "A White Heron," the main character Sylvia is the hero.

Slyvia's interactions with others show the strength of her character and that she is capable of being a hero. The first time the readers see Slyvia, she is being helpful to the hunter. The hunter has lost his way and asks Slyvia for help. She agrees to help the hunter and guides him to civilization. In the same instance, Slyvia is considered to be brave for helping the hunter. As a nine year old child, it takes an extreme amount of courage for Slyvia to help a strange man through the woods as darkness falls. Slyvia also proves that she is a strong individual. Back at the farm, Slyvia is very content while listening to her grandmother and the hunter talk. She listens to what others have to say about her. In the process of listening, Slyvia becomes ready to make self-changes if they are needed. Slyvia shows a great amount of consideration while letting the hunter lead when they explore the woods. She knows that the hunter does not know where to go, but she does not want to hurt his feelings by taking charge and leading him. One could consider Slyvia's way of handling things to be very appropriate and mature for her age. These are the qualities a hero should have.

Slyvia's connection to the forest and the animals within the forest makes her brave and strong. As the story opens, Slyvia and the family cow, Molly, are on their way back home. It is here where the readers become aware of Slyvia's relationship with the cow. The relationship between the two is revealed as Slyvia and Molly play their usual game of hide and seek in the forest. The readers also notice that Slyvia is not afraid of the forest at night. The author writes that even though it is getting dark, Slyvia is not afraid. Slyvia maintains her composure and continues to drive Molly home. Slyvia's Grandmother Mrs. Tilley gives two great examples of Slyvia's deep connection to the forest. While talking to the hunter, Mrs. Tilley claims, "There ain't a foot o'ground she don't know her way over, and the wild creaturs counts her one o'themselves." It is all of these connections that allow Slyvia to become a hero for the forest. Although a financial award was offered to help find the bird, Slyvia rejects the money in an effort to save the forest. In this way, Slyvia becomes a hero for the forest.

In Sarah Jewett's "A White Heron" Jewett is teaching the readers what it