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Analysis of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on June 12, 2021

The only work of James Hurst’s to gain widespread recognition, The Scarlet Ibis  was originally published in the Atlantic Monthly in July 1960 and won the Atlantic First award that year. Rising quickly to the status of a classic, this story has been a standard feature of high school and college anthologies for more than 40 years. In 1988, and then again in 1998, the story was published in book format (only 36 pages) with illustrations by Philippe Dumas. It continues to be popular with students and is the subject of numerous Internet study guides.

“The Scarlet Ibis” is the story of two siblings, the narrator—known only as Brother—and his disabled younger brother, nicknamed Doodle. Told in retrospect by the now-adult Brother, the story seems to be at least partially confessional, describing the narrator’s childhood conflicts between love for his brother and his own pride, as well as the tragic consequences of discriminatory familial and societal expectations. Toward the end of the story, an exotic scarlet ibis appears and, as does Doodle himself, dies.

scarlet ibis story essay

“The Scarlet Ibis” has received little or no serious critical analysis, but in those reviews that do exist various possible subthemes have been suggested, including the biblical story of Cain and Abel, Doodle as a divine or even Christ-like figure, and the specter of World War I with its loss of life and all the philosophical questions that it raised. It is clearly, however, the use of nature that guides the narrative and its metaphors. Hurst himself has said that there are three “characters” in the story: Doodle, Brother, and the setting. The story opens with Brother’s describing the Eden-like childhood that he shared with Doodle and comparing it with the sterility of his adult world. Over the course of the story, told in flashback, Brother is shown to have a country child’s awareness of and delight in nature; in fact, part of his disappointment at Doodle’s disability is that he had “wanted someone to perch with in the top fork of the great pine behind the barn, where across the fields and the swamp you could see the sea” (10). Doodle cries the first time Brother shows him the beauty of Old Woman Swamp (perhaps a pseudonym for Gaia?), the only place where the two brothers are really in harmony, where they make plans to live forever, and where societal expectations do not interfere. Even the narrative itself turns along with the cyclical movement of the seasons, Brother’s successes and failures with Doodle measured by nature’s changes.

When the scarlet ibis appears, both the psychological and the physical similarities to Doodle are made clear: It is alone—despite being a colonial nester— and has clearly strayed, or been blown, far from its natural environment (“Ibises”); it is a brilliant red, as Doodle was at birth, and has an awkward, ungainly body that takes on grace only in death. Doodle is the only one of the family moved enough by the bird’s demise to care about burying it, and when Doodle himself dies the following day, his body in death is described much as the bird’s, and Brother calls him “my fallen scarlet ibis” (36).

BIBLIOGRAPHY Hurst, James. The Scarlet Ibis. Hadley, Mass.: Creative Education, 1988. “The Scarlet Ibis.” Short Stories for Students. Detroit: Gale, 2006.

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The Scarlet Ibis

James hurst, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on James Hurst's The Scarlet Ibis . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Scarlet Ibis: Introduction

The scarlet ibis: plot summary, the scarlet ibis: detailed summary & analysis, the scarlet ibis: themes, the scarlet ibis: quotes, the scarlet ibis: characters, the scarlet ibis: symbols, the scarlet ibis: theme wheel, brief biography of james hurst.

The Scarlet Ibis PDF

Historical Context of The Scarlet Ibis

Other books related to the scarlet ibis.

  • Full Title: The Scarlet Ibis
  • Where Written: New York City
  • When Published: 1960
  • Literary Period: Late American modernism
  • Genre: Short story, coming-of-age story
  • Setting: A family home in eastern North Carolina during World War I
  • Climax: Disappointed by Doodle’s physical limitations, Brother leaves him alone in the forest as a storm rages, only to discover later that Doodle has died.
  • Antagonist: Brother
  • Point of View: First person limited (Brother is the narrator)

Extra Credit for The Scarlet Ibis

The Importance of Place. James Hurst himself has commented that there are three characters in the work—Doodle, Brother, and the setting—thus highlighting the importance of the natural world as an influence in the events of the story.

The Art of Adaptation. The Scarlet Ibis was adapted into an opera in 2015 in which the character of Doodle, because of his physical difference, was represented by a puppet.

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The Scarlet Ibis

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Story Analysis

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Discussion Questions

Why is it important to the narrator that Doodle learn athletic skills like rowing, swimming, and fighting, and what does this value indicate about his character?

The Armstrongs are depicted as a family of five, including Aunt Nicey . How does the narrative characterize Mama and Daddy as parents of a child with disabilities? Why does Hurst include the character of Aunt Nicey?

Contemporary critics view Hurst’s “The Scarlet Ibis” as “ableist,” or espousing the idea that individuals without physical or mental disabilities are superior. Using textual support, argue whether this is a fair assessment of the story.

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The Scarlet Ibis

by James Hurst

The scarlet ibis quotes and analysis.

"He was born when I was six and was, from the outset, a disappointment." Narrator, Part 1

This quote, found at the beginning of the story, alerts readers to the narrator's original expectations for his little brother. The narrator wanted a brother who would be able to run and play with him, so the reality of Doodle's condition hits him hard. It is this disappointment that leads him to push Doodle as hard as he possibly can while teaching him to walk and do other activities, since his pride cannot handle the disparity between the brother he wanted and the brother he got.

"Everybody thought he was going to die—everybody except Aunt Nicey, who had delivered him. She said he would live because he was born in a caul, and cauls were made from Jesus's nightgown." Narrator, Part 1

This quote is the very beginning of the juxtaposition of Aunt Nicey with the rest of the family, which has low expectations for Doodle. Right from the start Aunt Nicey believed that Doodle's differences made him important and special; while everyone else saw it as an unfortunate burden, Aunt Nicey serves as a reminder that "different" can be good, while the narrator believes that "different" is something that should be avoided.

"Such a name sounds good only on a tombstone." Narrator, Part 1

In discussing the name given to Doodle three months after his birth—William Armstrong—the narrator incorporates some very obvious foreshadowing. As readers know upon finishing the story, this name will appear on a tombstone, when Doodle ultimately dies. This is also significant because at numerous points in the story, everyone expects Doodle will die, but he continues to defy these expectations until at last he dies when no one is anticipating it.

"Renaming my brother was perhaps the kindest thing I ever did for him, because nobody expects much from someone called Doodle." Narrator, Part 2

This quote goes along with the story's theme of expectations. Up until this point, Doodle has been exceeding everyone's expectations, since he lived when everyone expected him to die. This quote foreshadows a time in which Doodle will fall short of expectations. Since the narrator is speaking about events in his past, he knows that, in light of what will occur, it is better that people not expect much from Doodle. The "kindest thing I ever did for him" part of the quote also suggests that the narrator was not particularly kind to Doodle throughout his short life, and that he might regret not being kinder.

"Don't leave me, brother. Don't leave me. Don't leave me." Doodle, Part 2

Doodle says these words twice throughout the story, the first when the narrator threatens to walk away and leave him alone in the barn with his casket, and again at the end when the narrator begins to rush ahead in the storm, leaving Doodle behind. This quote emphasizes Doodle's dependency on his older brother—he simply cannot function without him—and also his idolizing view of him. It also sets the narrator up to make a choice. The first time, he stays with Doodle until Doodle does what he asks and touches the coffin. He does not leave. The second time, he does leave, and that seals Doodle's fate.

"But all of us must have something to be proud of, and Doodle had become mine. I did not know then that pride is a wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death. Narrator, Part 3

With this quote, the narrator looks back on the events of the past with the wisdom that he has only acquired after the fact. He knew back then that he had to do something to make Doodle a brother to be proud of, but he did not know the disastrous effects that his pride would have until it was too late. It is important to note the narrator's acute awareness of his pride; he is not in denial about his motivations behind pushing Doodle to walk, which makes the ultimate consequences even more wrenching. He was aware of his pride, and yet he did nothing to stop it.

"Yes, I must admit it. Doodle could beat me lying." Narrator, Part 3

It is telling enough that the narrator and Doodle spend their spare time "lying," or telling outlandish stories, but it is even more noteworthy that Doodle is the better of the two liars. These elaborate lies, like the story of Peter and the peacock that the narrator recounts, are a means by which Doodle distracts himself from his less-than-satisfactory reality. This goes hand-in-hand with his immense appreciation for all things beautiful; these lies account for the things that Doodle feels his life is lacking.

"Aw, come on, Doodle. You can do it. Do you want to be different from everybody else when you start school?" Narrator, Part 4

Doodle's disabilities undoubtedly make him different from the average person, but this story questions whether these differences even matter. To the narrator, they do; he is very concerned with molding Doodle to the image in his head of the perfect little brother. Doodle, though, does not see things the way his older brother sees them. Right after the narrator says this, Doodle asks whether it even makes a difference. The narrator insists that it does, and continues to push him right past his breaking point in the interest of conformity.

"I'm going to bury him." Doodle, Part 4

Upon watching the scarlet ibis die, Doodle forms a strong connection with the bird. The ibis's death and Doodle's response to it is the most impactful piece of foreshadowing in the story. Doodle has connected with the scarlet ibis because he is the scarlet ibis, worn down and pushed beyond his limits. This response also fits very well with Doodle's character; he has an eye for beauty, and, according to the narrator, the ibis is majestic and beautiful even in death.

"For a long time, it seemed forever, I lay there crying, sheltering my scarlet ibis from the heresy of rain." Narrator, Part 4

This carefully crafted line ends the story. The narrator at last recognizes the harm that his pride has brought about, and, upon connecting him to the fallen scarlet ibis, finally treats him with the fragility and care that had been missing all along. This moment is not about the narrator protecting himself; it is about protecting Doodle, who unfortunately would have benefited from this protection long ago.

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The Scarlet Ibis Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Scarlet Ibis is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The scarlet ibis

The author uses weather as a form of foreshadowing. Storms and natural occurrences, foreshadow from the very beginning what will happen at the end. The narrator and Doodle face a huge obstacle in the way of their goal when they experience a...

Which of the following quotes from the text best reflects how the author uses nature to enhance the dark tone of the story? Answer choices for the above question A. “The last graveyard flowers were blooming, and their smell drifted across the cotton fiel

I'm sorry, you need to place your answer choices in the "details" box. Please repost your question.

The surprise was Doodle walking across the room to the table on his birthday.

At breakfast on our chosen day, when Mama, Daddy, and Aunt Nicey were in the dining room, I brought Doodle to the door in the gocart just as usual and had them turn...

Study Guide for The Scarlet Ibis

The Scarlet Ibis study guide contains a biography of James Hurst, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About The Scarlet Ibis
  • The Scarlet Ibis Summary
  • Character List

Essays for The Scarlet Ibis

The Scarlet Ibis essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst.

  • Brotherly Injury: The Scarlet Ibis
  • Character Comparison Essay: "The Scarlet Ibis" and "Thank You Ma'am"

Wikipedia Entries for The Scarlet Ibis

  • Introduction
  • James Hurst

scarlet ibis story essay

The Scarlet Ibis Essay

The Scarlet Ibis is a short story written by James Hurst. The story is about a boy named Doodle who is born with a heart condition. His brother, an unnamed narrator, tries to help him survive and grow up.

The saying goes, “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”. The narrator’s feelings in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst alters after his younger brother Doodle passes away. The speaker, who we only ever refer to as Brother, never shows kindness towards Doodle during their childhood because of Doodle’s struggles with physical disabilities.

It is not until Doodle dies that Brother realizes how much he loved and needed his brother. The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone” is significant to the story because it helps to illustrate the point that people do not always realize the true value of something until it is gone.

The Scarlet Ibis is a short story that was published in The Atlantic Monthly in 1960. The story tells the tale of two young brothers growing up in the early 1900s in the American South. The older brother, who is never given a name, is unkind to his younger brother Doodle because of Doodle’s physical disabilities. The brothers are very close in age, and they spend a lot of time together.

One summer, the older brother is determined to teach Doodle how to walk. The brother is patient with Doodle, and eventually Doodle is able to take a few steps on his own. The brother is thrilled with Doodle’s progress and the two of them spend more time together than ever before.

However, one day when they are out playing together, Doodle has a seizure and dies. The older brother is devastated by his death. It is only then that he realizes how much he loved and needed his younger brother.

The story ends with the older brother reflecting on his memories of Doodle. He remembers all of the good times they had together, and he regrets that he was not always kind to his brother.

The Scarlet Ibis is a touching story about the love between two brothers. It is a reminder that we should always cherish the people we love, because we never know when they might be gone.

The younger brother, scared that he might be mocked at school for having an disabled sibling, begins training and teaching Doodle physical activities in order to protect him. The emotions of the older brother change from childhood hatred to remorse as he remembers the circumstances that triggered his distaste.

The story concludes with Doodle’s funeral and the brother’s newfound guilt. The Scarlet Ibis is a short story written by James Hurst. Themes in The Scarlet Ibis include love, family, death, and regret.

The Scarlet Ibis is a very heartwarming story that teaches valuable life lessons. The main theme of the story is love. The brother in the story loves Doodle very much, even though he may not realize it at first. The brother is willing to do anything for Doodle, even if it means putting himself in danger. The second theme is family. The brother and Doodle are extremely close, despite the fact that they are not blood related.

They are more like friends than brothers. The third theme is death. The story ends with the death of Doodle, which causes the brother to feel great remorse and guilt. The fourth and final theme is regret. The brother regrets not spending more time with Doodle and not appreciating him while he was alive.

Brother begins to form a dislike for Doodle when he cannot meet the expectations that Brother has set. All Brother ever wanted was “[s]omeone to race to Horsehead Landing, someone to box with, and someone tot perch with in the top fork of the great pine behind the barn” (Hurst 30-34), but no matter how hard he tried, Doodle could never fulfill those wishes.

The first real sign of Brother not wanting Doodle around was when he left Doodle behind at the junkyard. The second sign was when he refused to let Doodle go with him and Red Sammy to the pond to fish. The third sign, which is also the climax of the story, is when Brother shouts “I hate you. I wish you were dead” (Hurst 41).

Doodle did everything he could to try and please his brother. He ran with Brother even though it made him tired. He tried to perch on top of a tree even though he was scared of heights. The final straw for Doodle was when he tried to fly like a Scarlet Ibis and ended up breaking his neck and dying.

When Brother clutches Doodle’s body, it’s evident that he is sorry. He hangs on to Doodle’s remains and tries to protect them from the rain and the rest of the world, as opposed to leaving him behind in the past. His feelings for Doodle have changed from childless loathing to remorse for his actions since Brother altered his behavior.

The most important change that is seen in Brother is his relationships with others. The first sign of this is when Doodle starts to walk. He teaches Doodle how to walk, despite not wanting anything to do with him. The second sign is when they go out into the fields and Doodle gets stung by a bee. brother runs to get the medicinal supplies, even though he had been planning on leaving Doodle behind. The final sign is when Doodle dies. Initially, Brother wanted nothing to do with Doodle, but by the end he was remorseful for his actions.”

The tone of guilt is also evident in the afterthought in the story after Brother finishes telling an event. For example, he reveals that he “taught Doodle how to walk for himself… and that Doodle walked only because [he] was ashamed of having a crippled brother” (182-184). Because he regrets treating Doodle the way he did, he laments about his past actions and paints an ashamed tone over the events.

The story also features a few short sentences which also emphasize the regretful tone. The words “I am sorry” are repeated six times throughout the story, always in connection to Doodle (193, 196, 198). The last time these words appear is just before the climax of the story. The phrase appears three times in succession, each time getting softer until they nearly become a whisper (198).

The narrator uses this soft language to contrast the loud way he used to speak to Doodle, emphasizing his guilt over how he used to treat him. The final example of language choice that reveals the theme of regret is James Hurst’s use of onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia is defined as “the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named” (Merriam-Webster). The sound of rain is described as “pattering gently on the leaves and tapping softly on the window panes” (200).

The use of soft words like “gentle” and “softly” again emphasize the regretful tone of the story. The sound of rain has always been seen as soothing, and its presence in the story provides a moment of silence for Doodle and Brother to reflect on their actions. The sound of rain also calls back to an earlier event in the story.

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Essay About Scarlet Ibis: A Majestic Tale of Life and Lessons

Dear students, you’ve landed at the perfect spot! This blog post unveils an exquisite essay on “The Scarlet Ibis,” tailored for students of all classes. Dive into this handpicked exploration that delves into the heart of the narrative, offering insights and reflections.

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The (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Scarlet Ibis Essay: Unraveling Life’s Lessons Through a Majestic Journey

Introduction.

In the pages of James Hurst’s poignant tale, “The Scarlet Ibis,” a captivating narrative unfolds, weaving a tapestry of life’s complexities. As the renowned author Ralph Waldo Emerson once mused, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” This sentiment echoes the essence of the story, as it encapsulates the journey of two brothers and the vibrant symbolism embodied by the titular scarlet ibis. Let’s embark on a reflective expedition into the heart of this literary masterpiece.

Supporting Paragraphs

The narrative of “The Scarlet Ibis” pulsates with the beauty and brutality of life. On the positive side, the story illuminates the profound bond between siblings, a connection that transcends physical and emotional boundaries. The protagonist’s determination to teach his physically challenged brother, Doodle, showcases the resilience of the human spirit. Yet, the tale also confronts us with the darker facets of human nature. The relentless pursuit of normalcy by the older brother, marked by both love and selfishness, raises ethical dilemmas. For instance, the forceful training sessions for Doodle sometimes border on cruelty, underscoring the fine line between genuine concern and misguided ambitions.

Amidst the lush descriptions of the Southern landscape, Hurst artfully employs the scarlet ibis as a metaphor for the fragile nature of life. In its majestic crimson plumage, the ibis symbolizes the fleeting beauty of existence, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality. Conversely, the bird’s tragic demise mirrors the consequences of pushing against the natural order. This duality forces readers to grapple with the paradox of life’s impermanence and the human inclination to resist its inherent limitations.

While the narrative provides a profound exploration of the human condition, it also prompts contemplation on the ethics of pushing others beyond their limits. In our own lives, we encounter situations where ambition clashes with compassion. “The Scarlet Ibis” serves as a poignant reminder to tread carefully, acknowledging the delicate balance between nurturing potential and respecting individual boundaries. The dichotomy of love and ambition within the story challenges us to reflect on our own motivations and actions, urging a compassionate approach in our interactions with others.

Conclusion Paragraph:

In the captivating journey through “The Scarlet Ibis,” readers traverse the intricate landscape of human emotions and relationships. The tale serves as a mirror, reflecting the beauty and brutality inherent in the human experience. As we absorb the lessons from the scarlet ibis’s flight and fall, let us carry forward a nuanced understanding of life’s fragility and the importance of embracing both its joys and sorrows. Hurst’s masterpiece beckons us to leave a compassionate trail in our wake, recognizing the profound impact of our choices on the lives of those we touch.

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  1. The Scarlet Ibis Summary & Analysis

    Analysis. Brother opens his narration by describing the end of a summer in his past, during which an ibis landed "in the bleeding tree.". The birds' nests were empty, and the flowers were decaying. Brother comments on how much things have changed since that summer. A grindstone has taken the place of the tree, and the songs of the birds ...

  2. Analysis of James Hurst's The Scarlet Ibis

    Analysis of James Hurst's The Scarlet Ibis By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on June 12, 2021. The only work of James Hurst's to gain widespread recognition, The Scarlet Ibis was originally published in the Atlantic Monthly in July 1960 and won the Atlantic First award that year. Rising quickly to the status of a classic, this story has been a standard feature of high school and college anthologies for ...

  3. The Scarlet Ibis: Full Plot Summary

    Full Plot Summary. The story begins with the narrator recalling a time long ago, from when he was a child. He sits in his childhood home and evokes the fateful day when an ibis landed in a tree in the yard. He then begins a tale from when he was six years old. In it, a younger brother is born in his household.

  4. The Scarlet Ibis: Study Guide

    Rich with symbols and figurative language, "The Scarlet Ibis" is a tragic story of pride, brotherly love, and cruelty. From a general summary to chapter summaries to explanations of famous quotes, the SparkNotes The Scarlet Ibis Study Guide has everything you need to ace quizzes, tests, and essays.

  5. The Scarlet Ibis Essay Questions

    The Scarlet Ibis Essay Questions. 1. How does pride feature into "The Scarlet Ibis?" Pride rules the narrator's decisions and actions in this story. The narrator acknowledges that his pride brings about both life and death—on one hand, pride is what drove him to teach Doodle how to walk, and that ended successfully.

  6. The Scarlet Ibis Analysis

    Symbolism. The scarlet ibis is a carefully chosen symbol. To understand why, it helps to know a little about the bird. A native of the South American tropics, the scarlet ibis is vivid red. Its ...

  7. The Scarlet Ibis

    Publication date. July 1960. " The Scarlet Ibis " is a short story written by James Hurst. [1] It was first published in The Atlantic Monthly in July 1960 [2] and won the "Atlantic First" award. [3] The story has become a classic of American literature, and has been frequently republished in high school anthologies and other collections.

  8. The Scarlet Ibis Study Guide

    Historical Context of The Scarlet Ibis. James Hurst drew upon his own experience when writing The Scarlet Ibis, as he grew up in rural North Carolina, where the story is set. Hurst was born in 1922, which makes him only slightly younger than the boys in the story. The story takes place during World War I, a decision which was likely influenced ...

  9. The Scarlet Ibis Summary

    The Scarlet Ibis Summary " The Scarlet Ibis" is a short story by James Hurst in which the narrator, Brother, remembers the birth of his little brother William "Doodle" Armstrong, a sickly child ...

  10. The Scarlet Ibis Story Analysis

    Analysis: "The Scarlet Ibis". Written from the perspective of the unnamed elder brother, "The Scarlet Ibis" offers readers a glimpse into the narrator's past while simultaneously allowing for an older and wiser narrator to impose his own gloss on events. The narrator begins by recalling the past in first-person narration: "It's ...

  11. The Scarlet Ibis Study Guide

    The Scarlet Ibis study guide contains a biography of James Hurst, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. ... "The Scarlet Ibis" is a short story written by James Hurst, first published in The Atlantic Monthly in July 1960. It is the first and only piece by Hurst to come to prominence and ...

  12. The Scarlet Ibis Theme: [Essay Example], 857 words

    Published: Mar 14, 2024. In James Hurst's poignant short story "The Scarlet Ibis," themes of pride, love, and the cruel realities of life are explored through the relationship between two brothers. The vivid imagery and emotional depth of the narrative captivate readers as they are drawn into the world of the story's characters.

  13. The Scarlet Ibis Essay Topics

    Get unlimited access to SuperSummaryfor only $0.70/week. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

  14. The Scarlet Ibis Quotes and Analysis

    The Scarlet Ibis study guide contains a biography of James Hurst, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. ... The ibis's death and Doodle's response to it is the most impactful piece of foreshadowing in the story. Doodle has connected with the scarlet ibis because he is the scarlet ibis ...

  15. The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst: [Essay Example], 603 words

    Get original essay. The Scarlet Ibis is a bird that Doodle finds lying on the ground dead beside the bleeding tree. It was not a common bird where they lived, so it must have traveled a great distance before dying. This is a symbol in many ways that illustrates Doodle. Just as a Scarlet Ibis traveling a great distance, Doodle also accomplishes ...

  16. Scarlet Ibis Theme: [Essay Example], 687 words GradesFixer

    The short story "Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst explores themes of pride, love, and the consequences of one's actions. The story follows the relationship between two brothers, one of whom is physically disabled, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a harsh and unforgiving world.

  17. What makes a strong conclusion for a commentary on "The Scarlet Ibis

    The ideas of love, responsibilty, childhood and guilt would all make good concluding subjects for a piece about the short story "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst. An extension theme would be to ...

  18. The Scarlet Ibis Essay Essay

    The Scarlet Ibis is a short story written by James Hurst. Themes in The Scarlet Ibis include love, family, death, and regret. The Scarlet Ibis is a very heartwarming story that teaches valuable life lessons. The main theme of the story is love. The brother in the story loves Doodle very much, even though he may not realize it at first.

  19. Essay About Scarlet Ibis: A Majestic Tale of Life and Lessons

    Supporting Paragraphs. The narrative of "The Scarlet Ibis" pulsates with the beauty and brutality of life. On the positive side, the story illuminates the profound bond between siblings, a connection that transcends physical and emotional boundaries. The protagonist's determination to teach his physically challenged brother, Doodle ...

  20. The Scarlet Ibis Argumentative: [Essay Example], 600 words

    Introduction. Literature has long been a medium through which authors explore complex human emotions and experiences. In "The Scarlet Ibis," a short story by James Hurst, the themes of pride, ego, and the consequences of excessive ambition are powerfully depicted. Through the story of two brothers, the narrator and his disabled younger sibling, Doodle, Hurst delves into the destructive nature ...

  21. The Scarlet Ibis Theme Essay

    707 Words3 Pages. Pride is Ignorance. Disability is a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movement, senses, or activities. "The Scarlet Ibis," a short story written by James Hurst, focuses on the relationship between two brothers: the narrator and his disabled brother, Doodle. Doodle is born when the narrator, Brother, is only ...

  22. Brother In The Scarlet Ibis By James Hurst

    Scarlet Ibis Symbolism Essay. desire, or passion. In the story "Scarlet Ibis" The author James Hurst used symbolism as a big part of the story. James Hurst develops symbolism throughout "Scarlet Ibis" through Doodles body, the mahogany coffin, and the scarlet ibis bird. James Hurst introduced Doddle as someone that would appear not to ...

  23. Personification In The Scarlet Ibis: [Essay Example], 622 words

    In conclusion, personification in "The Scarlet Ibis" serves as a powerful literary device that imbues the story with emotional depth and complexity. Through the portrayal of the scarlet ibis, the characterization of the natural world, and the development of the relationships between characters, James Hurst creates a rich and vivid world that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.