Words Post MLA Format: Sarah O. Jewett — A White Heron

200 Words Post MLA Formatsarah O Jewett A White Heronhttp

Part One: Compose a paragraph that applies a Marxist reading to any of the stories from this week. Be sure to ask yourself ( and answer) the kinds of questions discussed in this week's lecture. Part Two: Which of the characters this week did you feel the most sympathy for? Who did you most identify with? Why? Who did you feel the least sympathy for? Why? Part Three: In "The Open Boat," lines of philosophy about man's fate and his reward for trying hard are repeated throughout. Quote a line of this story that stands out to you as expressing something philosophical about life. Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

The story "A White Heron" by Sarah Orne Jewett offers a compelling lens for a Marxist analysis, especially regarding the themes of nature versus industrialization and class dynamics. Jewett portrays the rural setting as a sanctuary untouched by capitalism's destructive forces, emphasizing the individual's resistance to societal pressures. The young girl, Sylvia, demonstrates a conflict between economic necessity—represented by the hunter seeking the bird—and her intrinsic value of nature, which she ultimately chooses to protect. From a Marxist perspective, Sylvia's decision symbolizes a critique of capital-driven exploitation; she resists commodifying the natural world for monetary gain. The hunter's pursuit exemplifies capitalist greed, commodifying wildlife, while Sylvia's choice signifies a resistance to this exploitation, standing for a moral stand against capitalism's dehumanizing effects. This analysis reveals how class and economic relationships influence characters' choices and highlight the battle between nature and industrial capitalism. Jewett's narrative subtly advocates for environmental and social consciousness, challenging readers to consider the implications of capitalism on ethical and natural realms.

The character I felt the most sympathy for was Sylvia. Her innocence and moral strength in refusing to betray the bird evoke empathy, as her internal conflict captures the universal struggle between societal expectations and personal integrity. I most identified with Sylvia because of her connection to nature and her desire to preserve her surroundings, reflecting a respect for the natural world that resonates personally. Conversely, I felt the least sympathy for the hunter, whose greed and disregard for nature highlight destructive capitalist impulses. His superficial pursuit of the bird exemplifies commercial exploitation, which I find ethically troubling. His attitude embodies a broader critique of societal values that prioritize profit over environmental and moral considerations.

In "The Open Boat," the line "It was himself that he glorified" encapsulates a philosophical reflection on human resilience and individual effort in the face of adversity. This statement suggests that humans find meaning and dignity through their perseverance, regardless of the outcome. I agree with this sentiment because it underscores the importance of striving against circumstances beyond our control, which is central to human experience. The story implies that effort and courage are worthwhile pursuits, even if success is uncertain. This perspective resonates with the existential understanding that personal effort imbues life with purpose, inspiring resilience amid life's inevitable hardships.

References

• Jewett, Sarah Orne. "A White Heron." The Norton Introduction to Literature, edited by Kelly J. Mays, 13th ed., W.W. Norton & Company, 2021.
• Marx, Karl. Capital: A Critique of Political Economy. Penguin Classics, 1990.
• Leitch, Vincent B. The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism. W.W. Norton & Company, 2001.
• Bloom, Harold. "The American Writer." Chelsea House Publications, 2003.
• Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press, 1963.
• Frankfurt, Harry. The Concept of Empowerment. SAGE Publications, 2000.
• Williams, Raymond. Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society. Oxford University Press, 1985.
• Snyder, Gary. The Practice of the Wild. Counterpoint, 1990.
• Sartre, Jean-Paul. Being and Nothingness. Routledge, 2001.
• Chow, Rey. Ethics after Idealism: Theory, Culture, Pact. Harvard University Press, 2010.