Question

What quotation or short passage from "A White Heron" supports the theme that youth can become confused in a familiar society?

A. "In the text, the protagonist struggles with the expectations of her community, feeling torn between her loyalty to the familiar and her desire for independence." (Page 5)
B. "The story highlights the protagonist's internal conflict as she grapples with societal norms, revealing the confusion that youth may face in a familiar environment." (Page 10)
C. "On page 3, a passage illustrates the protagonist's inner turmoil, showcasing the theme that youth can experience confusion within the society they know well."
D. "The text conveys the theme of youth's confusion in familiar surroundings through a poignant quote on page 8, where the protagonist reflects on the societal pressures she enencounters"

Answer 1

The passage on page 8 of 'A White Heron' where Sylvia grapples with the decision of whether to disclose the heron's location reflects youth's confusion in a familiar society. This reflects both the Local Color narrative style and a proto-feminist theme, portraying Sylvia's internal conflict and maturation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quotation that best supports the theme that youth can become confused in a familiar society in Sarah Orne Jewett's A White Heron is found in the passage on page 8, which includes Sylvia's reflections on encountering societal pressures. This particular passage conveys her internal struggle and personal conflict between revealing the heron's location to please the ornithologist or protecting the bird, which implies a deeper decision about her own identity and values. The specific text is, "Sylvia's heart gave a wild beat; she knew that strange white bird, and had once stolen softly near where it stood in some bright green swamp grass." This conveys her excitement and connection with nature that conflicts with the young man's expectations.

Moreover, Sylvia's experiences in A White Heron showcase Local Color storytelling, a style where regional details and dialects are emphasized, underscoring her deep ties to her environment and her internal conflict with societal norms. This decision-making process signifies a crucial part of her maturation and highlights a feminist or proto-feminist theme by demonstrating her ability to make choices independent of male influence.