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.

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