Reading Questions- A White Heron by Sarah Orne Jewett

The Hunter

An ornithologist, the hunter tries to convince the young Sylvia to lead him to the nest of the rare white heron so he can kill and add it to his collection. He seems unmoved by the fact that his collection of these creatures involves killing them. As a town dweller, he measures value through possessions and money. His lack of natural compassion is symbolized by his gun, and the jack-knife he gives to Sylvia. Though tempted, Sylvia does not reveal the place of the heron to him.