nt with the white heron. Sylvia got to watch the heron fly back to his nest, so she now knows where the nest is located. In the passage above Sylvia has now progressed to the fifth stage of the cycle. The fifth stage is self-realization that is where the person has an epiphany or understanding about their life. Sylvia came to this enlightened point in her life by overcoming the obstacle of having to climb the tree but once she was up there she realized what was really important to her in life. When Sylvia got back to the house she could not wait to please the man by telling him where the nest was located. Sylvia’s grandmother asked her where she had been and so did the man, because she looked like she was excited to tell them something. Sylvia was unable to tell the man where the white heron’s nest was located. The sixth stage in the cycle is re-birth this is where the character restores herself/convictions. The passage above shows how Sylvia has ascended to the sixth stage because she could not bring her self to reveal the locating of the heron. This demonstrates her newly acquired values. Sylvia had a chance for a life with the man and money if she told the man where the nest was located but she could not bring herself to betray the white heron. Sylvia has decided to choose a different path in life and she realized that the connection she felt with the bird/nature was worth her losing the money and the man. This passage demonstrates the seventh stage return. It did not matter to her that the man and society would reject her for her decision, she still stuck with what she believed, and that is why she is now a true individual. Sylvia had found out that money was not the only thing life had to offer but she found out that if you keep your eyes open along with your heart you can find the greatest treasures that life has to offer. ...
