A White Heron Choices Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Has she been nine years growing and now, when the great world for the first time puts out a hand to her, must she thrust it aside for a bird's sake? (2.13)

Even Sylvia is surprised by her refusal to speak. This shows just how conflicted she has become between her love for nature and her love for the hunter.

Quote #8

She remembers how the white heron came flying through the golden air and [...] and Sylvia cannot speak; she cannot tell the heron's secret and give its life away. (2.13)

Finally, Sylvia admits to herself that ten dollars isn't worth the life of a heron. Despite the hunter's temptation, she knows that she simply cannot do it.

Quote #9

Many a night Sylvia heard the echo of his whistle haunting the pasture path as she came home with the loitering cow. (2.14)

Although Sylvia knows that she did the only thing she could do, this doesn't mean that she is completely content with her decision. She remains haunted by her memory of the hunter for some time to come.