Question

In “A White Heron,” what is the author’s purpose in calling the main character “little woods-girl”? To emphasize the girl’s ability to milk cows To emphasize the girl’s closeness with nature To emphasize the girl’s attraction to the hunter To emphasize the girl’s closeness to the white heron

Answer 1

In 'A White Heron,' the protagonist is called 'little woods-girl' by Sarah Orne Jewett to emphasize her closeness with nature, reflecting her internal conflict and growth, and contrasting with the hunter's presence.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Sarah Orne Jewett's A White Heron, the author refers to the protagonist as "little woods-girl" to emphasize the girl's closeness with nature. Through the narrative, Sylvia's connection to her natural surroundings and her internal conflict reflect the main themes of the story. Jewett uses this term of endearment to highlight not only Sylvia's physical environment but also her affinity and harmony with it, contrasting sharply with the hunter's invasive presence.

The story portrays Local Color through detailed descriptions of the New England landscape and showcases elements of Regionalism and Realism by bringing to life the customs and rituals of farm life. Sylvia's internal conflict to choose between her connection to nature represented by the heron and the allure of the young hunter depicts a struggle between the local and the intruding forces. The young girl's decision and her growth into a new sense of self hint at the early feminist realism present in Jewett's writing.

Answer 2

In this writing, the author’s purpose in calling the main character “little woods-girl” is to "To emphasize the girl’s closeness with nature". It could also be considered a subtle tie to her attraction, however.