Question

What can the reader infer about Sylvia given the fact that although she is drawn to the hunter she would like him more without his gun?

Answer 1

I think the reader can infer that Sylvia is a little bit afraid of the hunters gun but is still drawn to even over her fear her womanly instincts take over. Hope this helps:)

Answer 2

Answer: Despite having a crush on the hunter, she is still frightened of the gun because she sees the gun as a threat to nature and her beliefs.

Explanation: In "A White Heron" by Sarah Orne Jewett, there is plenty of symbolism and imagery involved. Not only is Sylvia a nature lover, she lives with very little human interaction, making the gun symbolize harm against nature and her innocence. The hunter and Sylvia's nature contrasts each other immensely (maturity and innocence, urbanization and the natural world) and she is faced with the choice of betraying herself for her first crush.