Asexuality In A White Heron By Sarah Orne Jewett

Often times, a seemingly simple story can convey complex themes. In her short story “A White Heron,” Sarah Orne Jewett is able to dive into the sexuality of her main character Sylvia. Though seemingly innocent on the surface, the reader might interpret the hunt for the elusive white heron as Sylvia’s discovery of herself and her sexuality. Though sexuality may seem like a mature topic for such a young character, it is irresponsible to completely ignore it. Especially in a story with innuendos that rival a romance novel. Jewett uses sexual undertones in the search for a white heron to bring light to Sylvia’s questioning of her sexuality.
As Sylvia becomes acquainted with the hunter, she begins to learn about his pursuit of the white heron.

The hunter is trying to “‘[make] a collection of birds.’” (169) This statement is followed by Mrs. Tilley, Sylvia’s grandmother, smiling and questioning if he “‘cage[s] ‘em up,’” but she is suspicious as to why he is enthralled with these birds. Looking at the symbolism of the story, the birds seem to represent his sexual conquests. For the hunter, there is no commitment to these birds, only shooting them down, stuffing them, and then moving on to the next bird. Sylvia’s bird, the white heron, is his next conquest. Sylvia, with the naivety that reflects her age, is taken advantage of by the hunter. She doesn’t seem to, or want to, understand the selfish motives of the hunter. Though Sylvia is only nine in the story, it alludes to a “woman’s heart […] thrilled by a dream of love” that is asleep inside of her. (170) Though too young to fully grasp what maturing entails, Sylvia is beginning to comprehend her own sexual maturity. Though the book describes how she “watched the young man with loving admiration,” it seems to be nothing more than a romantic attraction, as opposed to sexual attraction.
When climbing the tree Sylvia “mount[s] the top of it with tingling, eager blood coursing the channels of her whole frame,” (171) she seems impatient and reckless to get it over with. The “sharp dry twigs caught and held her and scratched her like angry talons,” making her journey to the top more and more difficult (172). By the time she reaches the top she is covered in scratches, injured, and begins to realize that this is not what she wants.
Spending most of her days with the hunter while he stays, she starts to become comfortable with the idea of giving away the secret of the Herons location.

Yet after climbing the tree and realizes the importance of the white heron. The choice she has over the heron’s life is that same she has over her own. She can sacrifice her own wants for the hunters, or choose to live the life that is most authentically her. It is at this moment when Sylvia is confronted with the concept of sexuality and though she understands what it is, she wants no part of it. This is asexuality.
Asexuals are individuals “without sexuality.” (OED) Though they may be romantically attracted to other people, they never experience sexual attraction. Sylvia fits this definition throughout the story. Though she finds the hunter interesting, she never shows an interest in him physically. The following passage illustrates how she came to this realization of self.
The guest waked from a dream, and remembering his day’s pleasure hurried to dress himself that might it sooner begin. He was sure from the way the shy little girl looked once or twice yesterday she had at least seen the white heron, and now she must really be made to tell. Here she comes now, paler than ever, and her worn old frock is torn and tattered, and smeared with pine pitch. The grandmother and the sportsman stand in the door together and question her, and the splendid moment has come to speak of the dead hemlock-tree by the green marsh. But Sylvia

does not speak after all, (Jewett 173)
By deciding not to give the location of the white heron Sylvia is able to keep her self-integrity. Even if her financial situation could be helped by letting this secret go, she does not compromise herself and the heron. The hunter takes Sylvia’s rejection as a personal insult and leaves their home shortly thereafter.
Though some may interpret the symbolism in this book as Sylvia’s choice to stay pure and virginal, there is evidence to prove that Sylvia is asexual and is simply not interested in what the hunter wants (ie sex). We end with Sylvia being left by the hunter that feels cheated. Sylvia refuses to comply with what is expected of her, and instead faces the social consequences that follow. But those consequences did not come without reward. Sylvia is now beginning to understand who she is and where she stands as a person.