Question

2. What did the heron mean to the father AND why does he release it?

Answer 1

The heron symbolizes nature's innocence and is released by the father as an act of valuing nature's integrity over financial gain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The heron in the story symbolizes the innocence of nature and the pristine beauty of wilderness, which the father comes to recognize and respect. The act of releasing the heron represents a rejection of immediate monetary reward in favor of preserving the integrity of nature and the personal values attached to it. By releasing the heron, the father is choosing to protect the heron's life and habitat over the temptation of financial gain offered by the stranger for the location of the heron's nest.

Answer 2

As the warden of the sanctuary, Marlene's father is responsible for all the animals there. Marlene notices that, as time progresses, her father becomes almost enthusiastic about life. Here, the heron symbolizes hope to Marlene and her father; it represents healing and a new beginning.

Step-by-step explanation: