As the work of a regionalist writer, Jewett's short story "A White Heron" consists of symbols that reflect the impact that drastic changes in the landscape have had on those in harmony with nature, like Jewett herself. Jewett's first-hand experience of a small, remote region overrun by industry therefore allowed her to produce a story that negatively portrays industrialization. In 'A White Heron', Jewett conveys his message by using the young man – the bird hunter – to symbolize industry and Sylvia to symbolize nature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay It is not uncommon for literary pieces to portray nature with her generosity and beauty as a woman. For decades, the female gender has been perceived alongside and linked to that gentle and soothing gift that God has bestowed upon the world – a symbol of something that gives more than it receives, that feels compassion and mercy more than hatred and greed. Sylvia is the shy little girl who befriends the forest animals and becomes one with nature. While Sylvia lives her humble days peacefully, her peace is suddenly disturbed by a young armed man. He approaches gently and not long after makes Sylvia a good companion. Sylvia finds this intruder fascinating and at one point even dreams of a love story with him. During her time following the young man in his search for birds and watching him knock down “some unsuspecting singing creature from his branch,” Sylvia does not object to the man's actions at all. She remains silent, docile, yet in her heart she condemns the man's actions – disconcerting at the man's demonstration of his “love” for the birds. Sylvia, who represents nature and femininity as a whole, does not understand why she shoots and stuffs them if she loves birds so much. She believes she would much prefer the young man without his weapon, an idea that highlights her feminine instincts of tenderness and opposition to violence. Furthermore, the female passivity typical of Jewett's era is emphasized through Sylvia's complacency towards the young man. Even though Sylvia is the girl from the woods, it is still the young man who leads their walks. She never takes responsibility, nor does she argue with him about his killing of the birds. So, not only has the young man upset the peace of Sylvia and nature, but he has also taken control of the land in which he, unlike Sylvia, is a stranger. His dominion is his own work; nature, along with the little girl as a representative, were too naive and innocent to see a reason to chase him away, too compassionate in accepting his presence, without questioning his appearance or doubting his intentions to stay. Sylvia doesn't seem to realize that the young man could only keep her close for his own benefit. Jewett made it clear to readers that his main goal is to hunt a white heron. When Mrs. Tilley, Sylvia's grandmother, talks about her extraordinary "woodland girl" trait to the point that the wild creatures consider her one of their own, the man can't help but be amused and develop a sudden, great interest towards the girl. He even gives Sylvia a switchblade, which she receives with excitement and admiration for the masculinity, adventure, and violence it represents. The fact that she resents his bird-killing and yet admires him for the strong man he is, and appreciates the weapon he gives her, symbolizes Sylvia as a woman who falls victim to his manly power: a common concept and sometimes fatal of a time that separated male and female roles and expectations. The young man, therefore,.