Final answer:
The heron is a literary symbol often associated with patience and focus, traits that could be likened to Lennie's character in Steinbeck's work. However, Jewett's "A White Heron," more aptly symbolizes purity and the natural world, which aligns with Sylvy's choice to protect the heron over capitulating to human desires.
Step-by-step explanation:
The image of the heron in literature often evokes a sense of calm patience and keen observation, as the bird waits silently for the perfect moment to strike its prey. In Sarah Orne Jewett's "A White Heron," this image of the heron does not directly correspond to Lennie's character in John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men." However, if we were to attempt to draw parallels, option a) might be the closest resemblance, where the heron could be interpreted to represent Lennie's simplicity and single-mindedness. Lennie is also patient and focused on his dream of owning a small plot of land with George, much like the heron awaits its prey.
Yet, in the context of Jewett's story, the symbolism of the heron is more accurately connected to Sylvy's internal conflict and the themes of nature and innocence. The heron represents the beauty and purity of the natural world that Sylvy ultimately chooses to protect. This decision reflects her inherent connection to the wilderness she inhabits and her growth as a character who recognizes the value of preserving nature over yielding to the fleeting allure of human desires and material rewards.