The White Heron

Jacqueline Procter
Journal #11
February 28, 2008
Sara Orne Jewett

Quote:
“Now look down again, Sylvia…there where you saw the white heron once, you will see him again; look!

"…do not send an arrow of light and consciousness from your two eager eyes…"

"The murmur of the pine’s green branches is in her ears, she remembers…”

Summary:
The narration changes: The tree is communicating with her – showing her a magical moment in nature.

Response:
I had to read it a few times at first I thought it was Sylvia’s conscious speaking and then I determined it was the tree’s voice instead of Sylvia’s. At the end of the story – Sylvia is remembering -- listening to the pine’s branches – “of course it was the tree” -- then I was sort of jolted with the meaning – I was stunned with amazement – The tree is wise and imparts truths as well as insights to Sylvia -- Tree Hugger -- which is probably safe to say that Sara Orne Jewett was a tree hugger. Sara spent so much time in Maine because that is where she communed with nature.

The first line of the quote is the tree talking – letting her in on a little secret – beauty and wonders of nature in its grandeur and simplicity. The second line is urging her to remain motionless -- don't even think -- “arrow of light and consciousness” is pretty new age. Wow -- very progressive for the Victorian age. Two steps forward -- ten steps back!

Once, out of necessity, I hugged a redwood tree – humorous attempt to entertain my daughter at a bus stop in the middle of nowhere – but I must say I felt a connection and didn’t want to leave. I’ve vowed to return and I welcome the chance to hug more trees. I’m not kidding – I think Julia Butterfly is a hero and I’m very supportive of people who sit in trees or sit in protest of the “rape of the world.”