A White Heron and Other Stories Lesson Plan

When we are first introduced to Ann as she sits sewing in the window, how are her appearance and attitude used to communicate information about her mood and character?

From the beginning, it seems as though Ann is waiting for something or for someone—it’s unclear whether she’s waiting for something specific, but she looks wistfully down the road, the action of someone who is waiting. It’s clear she’s feeling down, as she’s not decisive as she pulls the thread, and her frown of concentration is deeper than usual. She’s either not conscious of fashion or too poor to afford the latest trends, as her sleeves are described as out-of-date. Her face is described using character...