Final answer:
In 'A White Heron,' the hunter symbolizes dominance over nature and the white heron symbolizes nature's purity and fragility. Their relationship showcases the tension between human exploitation and the autonomy of the natural world, with Sylvia's choice reflecting the broader conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Sarah Orne Jewett's "A White Heron," the hunter represents the force of industrialization and conquest of nature, while the white heron symbolizes the purity and fragility of the natural world. The hunter is enthusiastic about his collection of birds, which he has been gathering since his youth, suggesting a long-standing pursuit of dominance over nature. His interest in achieving his collection on his "own ground" and his method of stuffing and preserving birds reveal his desire to control and exhibit the natural world as a token of his power.
Conversely, the white heron is described as rare and elusive, living freely and unspoiled in its natural habitat. The hunter has been searching for this bird for years, indicating its significance as a prize to possess and control. When the hunter eagerly questions Sylvia about the heron, hoping to learn its whereabouts, he is unconcerned with the bird's well-being, viewing it solely as a potential addition to his collection. The relationship between the hunter and the heron thus highlights the tension between human desire for ownership and the autonomy of nature. Sylvia's internal conflict mirrors this tension, as she must decide whether to protect the heron or assist the hunter, ultimately representing a broader choice between preserving nature and succumbing to human exploitation.