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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.
“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” by James Hurst: A Critical Analysis
“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst was first published in The Atlantic Monthly in July 1960, winning the magazine’s Atlantic First Award.
Introduction: “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
Table of Contents
“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst was first published in The Atlantic Monthly in July 1960, winning the magazine’s Atlantic First Award. Quickly recognized for its literary merit, the story soon found its way into various anthologies and school literature textbooks. It remains a classic example of the American short story form, exploring themes of familial expectations, disability, and the delicate balance between love and pride.
Main Events in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
- The story is set in the American South in the early 1900s, and it follows the relationship between two brothers: the narrator, who is never named, and his younger brother, Doodle.
- Doodle is born with a physical disability and is not expected to live for very long. However, he survives and is taken under the narrator’s care.
- The narrator becomes ashamed of Doodle’s disability and becomes determined to teach him to do things that “normal” kids can do, such as walking and running.
- The narrator forces Doodle to train rigorously, which takes a toll on Doodle’s health. Despite this, Doodle continues to work hard to please his brother.
- The narrator becomes obsessed with making Doodle “normal,” and he pushes him to the brink of exhaustion. The two brothers begin to drift apart, and the narrator becomes increasingly cruel to Doodle.
- The brothers see a scarlet ibis, a tropical bird that is far from its native habitat, and the narrator takes this as a sign that Doodle will die soon.
- One day, the narrator takes Doodle to the forest to show him his progress. A storm breaks out, and the two boys try to run back home, but Doodle is unable to keep up.
- The narrator abandons Doodle in the storm, but when he realizes that Doodle is no longer following him, he goes back to find him. He discovers that Doodle has died from exhaustion and the strain on his heart.
- The narrator is wracked with guilt and regret over the way he treated Doodle. He buries Doodle in a storm-damaged tree that resembles a coffin.
- As the narrator stands over Doodle’s grave, he sees another scarlet ibis, which has also been blown off course by the storm. The bird dies shortly afterward, and the narrator realizes that his treatment of Doodle was just as cruel and unnecessary as his attempt to teach the bird to fly in a place where it did not belong.
Literary Devices in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
| The Scarlet Ibis | Represents Doodle: unique, fragile, ultimately doomed. | |
| “Success lay at the end of summer like a pot of gold” | Compares achieving success to a tangible reward. | |
| “Pride is a wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death.” | Compares pride to a force of nature, both life-giving and destructive. | |
| “It was in the clove of seasons, summer was dead but autumn had not yet been born…” | Hints at impending tragedy, mirroring Doodle’s fragile existence. | |
| “The flower garden was strained with rotting brown magnolia petals and ironweeds grew rank…” | Creates a vivid image of decay and neglect. | |
| “…and the oriole nest in the elm was untenanted and rocked back and forth like an empty cradle.” | Gives the nest human-like qualities of loneliness and abandonment. | |
| “…and grind our bodies into the earth.” | The repetition of “d” sounds emphasizes the forcefulness. | |
| “…remembering Doodle. That summer, I was six years old…” | Narrator transitions between the past and present to tell the story. | |
| The narrator’s efforts to help Doodle ultimately cause his death. | Shows the unintended consequences of misguided actions. | |
| “There is within me… a knot of cruelty borne by the stream of love…” | Repetition of “there is within me” emphasizes internal conflict. | |
| Doodle’s beauty and fragility with the narrator’s frustrated ambition. | Contrasting elements highlight the themes of the story. | |
| “Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you all?” | Engages the reader, prompts reflection on shared humanity. | |
| References to Biblical figures (Cain and Abel) | Connects with archetypal stories of sibling rivalry. | |
| Images of death (bleeding tree, dead birds, etc.) | Recurring motif foreshadows Doodle’s fate. | |
| The dangers of unchecked pride. | Central underlying message of the story. | |
| Wistful, regretful, evocative | The narrator reflects on the past with sadness and remorse. | |
| First person (narrator is Doodle’s brother) | Story filters events through the flawed perspective of the narrator. | |
| Though not the primary format, the story begins like a letter: (“Dear Jane, How are you…”) | Creates a sense of intimacy and reflection. | |
| “Crackle” of palmettos underfoot | Sounds mimic the actual action. | |
| “Hope no longer hid in the dark palmetto thicket but perched like a cardinal in the top of the pine tree…” | Exaggeration used for emotional impact. |
Characterization in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
Major Characters
The Narrator (Brother):
- Traits: Initially ashamed of Doodle, driven by pride, later remorseful.
- Development: Evolves from a self-centered focus on ambition to a deep understanding of his own cruelty, however, this realization comes too late.
- Significance: Embodies the destructive force of unchecked pride and the complexities of sibling relationships.
- Traits: Physically disabled, gentle, imaginative, possesses an innate connection with nature.
- Development: Limited due to his short life, yet he displays unexpected resilience when motivated by his brother’s love.
- Significance: Symbolizes the fragility of beauty, innocence, and the dangers of imposing expectations on others.
Minor Characters
- Traits: Loving, protective, superstitious, aware of Doodle’s limitations.
- Role: Represents unconditional motherly love and acceptance.
- Traits: Practical, resigned to Doodle’s condition, less emotionally expressive.
- Role: Provides a grounded perspective, contrasting with the narrator’s impulsive ambition.
- Traits: Optimistic, religious, believes deeply in Doodle’s potential.
- Role: Offers encouragement and a counterpoint to the narrator’s doubt.
Additional Notes:
- Characterization in “The Scarlet Ibis” is heavily influenced by the narrator’s perspective, making it important to consider his biases and potential for self-deception.
- The limited descriptions of minor characters serve to highlight the focus on the dynamic between the brothers and the themes of the story.
Major Themes in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
The Destructive Nature of Pride:
- Reference: “Pride is a wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death.” (Narrator’s reflection)
- Explanation: The narrator’s relentless pride drives him to push Doodle beyond his limits, ultimately leading to his tragic death. The story showcases how misplaced pride can blind individuals to the harmful consequences of their actions.
The Complexities of Brotherly Love:
- Reference: “There is within me (and with sadness I have watched it in others) a knot of cruelty borne by the stream of love, much as our blood sometimes bears the seed of our destruction…” (Narrator’s confession)
- Explanation: The narrator’s love for Doodle is deeply intertwined with shame, frustration, and ultimately a cruel desire to mold him into an image of normalcy. The story depicts the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of sibling relationships.
Limits of Expectations vs. Acceptance:
- Reference: “Don’t leave me, Brother…Don’t leave me.” (Doodle’s plea)
- Explanation: The narrator’s relentless ambition contrasts with the unconditional acceptance offered by Doodle and other family members. The story questions whether pushing individuals beyond their natural limitations is ultimately harmful, and highlights the value of acceptance.
The Fragility and Beauty of the Natural World:
- Reference: The symbolism of the scarlet ibis represents Doodle’s unique spirit and vulnerability.
- Explanation: Doodle possesses a deep connection with nature that contrasts with his brother’s focus on achievement. The story suggests that true beauty and wonder might be found in unexpected places and forms, often overlooked by those blinded by ambition.
Writing Style in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
In “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst, the writing style is both descriptive and emotional. The author skillfully uses vivid imagery to bring the story to life, creating a rich sensory experience for the reader. The language is both poetic and accessible, with a focus on capturing the essence of the narrator’s experiences and feelings. The story is told from the perspective of the older brother looking back on his memories of his younger brother, and the author’s use of foreshadowing and symbolism add depth to the narrative. The writing style also includes repetition and parallelism, which emphasizes the themes of love, pride, and shame that are central to the story. Overall, Hurst’s writing style in “The Scarlet Ibis” is powerful and poignant, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
| Focuses on how the reader experiences and interprets the story. A reader might feel conflicting emotions: sympathy for Doodle, frustration with the narrator, and ultimately a sense of sadness and regret for the tragic outcome. The story prompts the reader to consider their own experiences with pride, ambition, and the fragile bonds of family. | This evocative imagery might create a sense of unease and foreboding in the reader. | |
| Explores psychological motivations of characters. A psychoanalytic reading might focus on the narrator’s unconscious feelings of resentment towards Doodle, stemming from the limitations his disability places on the narrator’s own aspirations. The narrator’s fixation on changing Doodle could be seen as a form of projection, where he attempts to resolve his own insecurities through his brother. | “There is within me…a knot of cruelty borne by the stream of love…” The narrator’s confession suggests an internal struggle between conflicting emotions. | |
| Examines the social and cultural representation of disability. The story highlights how Doodle’s physical limitations shape how others perceive and interact with him. The narrator’s shame and desire to change Doodle reflect broader societal attitudes and expectations towards individuals with disabilities. | The narrator’s focus on “success” and shame reveals the ableist lens through which he views Doodle. | |
| Explores the relationship between literature and the natural environment. The motif of the scarlet ibis and other aspects of the natural world are not mere backdrop, but symbolize Doodle’s uniqueness, foreshadow his fate, and suggest an alternative sense of beauty that contrasts with the narrator’s destructive ambitions. | The ibis’ death and the image of the narrator sheltering it highlight the fragility of life and the natural world. |
Questions and their Thesis Statements about “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
- What is the significance of the setting in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst?
- Thesis Statement: James Hurst’s use of the natural world as the setting in “The Scarlet Ibis” serves as a metaphor for the harsh realities of life, highlighting the complex relationships between pride, love, and cruelty.
- How does James Hurst use symbolism in “The Scarlet Ibis” to convey the central theme? Thesis Statement: Through his use of symbolism, particularly with the titular bird and the color red, James Hurst emphasizes the destructive nature of pride and the importance of compassion in “The Scarlet Ibis.”
- What is the role of guilt in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst?
- Thesis Statement: James Hurst’s “The Scarlet Ibis” highlights the destructive power of guilt, showcasing how it can lead to self-destructive behavior, regret, and a loss of innocence.
- What is the relationship between the narrator and his brother in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst?
- Thesis Statement: The complicated relationship between the narrator and his disabled brother in James Hurst’s “The Scarlet Ibis” demonstrates the themes of sibling rivalry, compassion, and the dangers of pride.
Short Questions and Answers about “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
- What is the narrator’s attitude towards his brother at the beginning of the story?
At the beginning of the story, the narrator feels a mixture of resentment and embarrassment towards his disabled brother. He is ashamed of Doodle’s physical limitations and sees him as a burden that prevents him from doing things he wants to do. The narrator also views Doodle as an obstacle to his own ambitions and sees him as an embarrassment in front of his friends.
- Why does the narrator teach Doodle to walk?
The narrator teaches Doodle to walk because he is ashamed of having a disabled brother and wants to “fix” him. He sees teaching Doodle to walk as a way to make him more normal and to erase his own embarrassment and shame. Additionally, the narrator is motivated by his own pride and competitiveness, wanting to prove to his family and friends that he can teach Doodle to do something that no one else can.
- How does the arrival of the scarlet ibis change the narrator’s perspective?
The arrival of the scarlet ibis, a rare and exotic bird, changes the narrator’s perspective by making him see the beauty and fragility of life. The bird is a symbol of the natural world, and its death in the storm highlights the fragility of all living things. This realization makes the narrator feel guilt and remorse for his mistreatment of Doodle, and he begins to see him as a human being rather than a burden.
- Why does the narrator run away from Doodle during the storm?
The narrator runs away from Doodle during the storm because he is afraid and overwhelmed by his own emotions. He feels guilty for pushing Doodle too hard and for his mistreatment of him in the past. When Doodle starts to bleed and collapse, the narrator panics and runs away because he cannot bear to see the consequences of his own actions.
Literary Works Similar to “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
- The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka: Both stories explore the themes of physical difference, family dynamics, and the crushing weight of societal expectations. Also, there’s an element of symbolism where a creature (insect in Kafka’s case) represents an internal or societal struggle.
- Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes: These works focus on the desire for transformation, the unintended consequences of pushing personal limits, and ethical questions raised by interventions aimed at changing someone’s inherent nature.
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: Steinbeck’s novella shares thematic ground with “The Scarlet Ibis” through the depiction of a fragile, vulnerable character (Lennie and Doodle) whose fate becomes intertwined with their companions, leading to tragic consequences. Both stories grapple with concepts of protection, responsibility, and the limits of dreams.
- Short Stories by Alice Munro: Munro’s short fiction often focuses on small-town dynamics, complex family relationships, and characters grappling with their place in the world. Like “The Scarlet Ibis,” her work reveals emotional truths through seemingly ordinary settings and everyday moments.
- Short Stories by Eudora Welty: Welty, a master of Southern Gothic literature, shares Hurst’s ability to create vivid settings and explore the complexities of human relationships. Her stories often feature quirky characters and unexpected events, reflecting a darker side of human nature.
Suggested Readings: “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
- McHaney, Thomas L. “James Hurst’s ‘The Scarlet Ibis.'” The Explicator 33.5 (1975): Item 41. Web. ( Explicator is a journal dedicated to short story analysis)
- Perrine, Laurence. “The Opening Scene of ‘The Scarlet Ibis.'” Notes on Contemporary Literature 2.1 (1972): 4. Web.
- Walsh, Thomas F. “Pride, Humility, and Grace in James Hurst’s ‘The Scarlet Ibis.'” South Atlantic Review 73.4 (2008): 65–78. JSTOR .
- LitCharts – “The Scarlet Ibis” Analysis & Themes. LitCharts LLC, https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-scarlet-ibis/themes (Provides detailed summaries, analysis, and insights into the story’s themes).
- Cummings Study Guides – “The Scarlet Ibis.” Michael J. Cummings, 2004. [invalid URL removed] (Offers chapter summaries, character analysis, and discussion of symbolism).
- Bloom, Harold, ed. James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis . Bloom’s Literary Criticism, 2009. (This would likely be a collection of essays offering different critical perspectives on the story).
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The Scarlet Ibis
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Introduction
Younger brother’s optimism, elder brother’s pride, outcomes of different behaviors.
The story “The Scarlet Ibis” which was written by James Hurst in 1960 is a vivid example of a work filled with symbolism as a literary technique. In particular, this method is used to describe the characters of the story and their and relationships. As objects of evaluation, two brothers will be considered, the narrator on whose behalf the story is presented, and his younger brother William, who is called Doodle.
The interaction between the two boys is complex due to Doodle’s disabilities. Nevertheless, despite his vulnerability and congenital defects of health, the younger brother shows the strength of the mind and perseverance that are inherent in an adult. He does not despair and is ready to follow the narrator, who, despite his love for his brother, is quick-tempered and impatient.
These differences will be examined, and the relationships between the two characters will be analyzed in the context of distinctive assessments of success. The disabilities of the younger brother do not prevent him from admiring the world, while the elder brother is inclined to show more pride, and these differences form the basis of the story.
Being born with physical defects and poor coordination, Doodle was distinguished by a thirst for life and interest in the world around him. The narrator mentions his walks with the younger brother and recalls how he admired the beauty of the grass on which he sat: “It’s so pretty,” he said. “So pretty, pretty, pretty” (Hurst, p. 49). Another example is the boy’s willingness to learn to walk. Although the younger brother had such severe physical disabilities that even his parents were ready for his death, he did not want to put up with the fate of a disabled person.
Doodle agrees to the storyteller’s suggestion to learn to walk, despite physicians’ disappointing predictions, and as the storyteller notes, the younger brother was successful and “was ready to show what he could do” (Hurst, p. 50). Such a desire to prove his strength characterizes the boy as a person who does not want to accept his disability status. As a result, the boy achieves results and surprises not only the brother but also his parents, who are surprised and delighted by the stubbornness of their son and the outcomes of his training.
Another example of the boy’s thirst for life is his attitude to a wounded bird. The scarlet ibis that appeared at their site excited the child and forced him to run out of the house in dismay. The narrator describes the situation as follows: “Doodle’s hands were clasped at his throat, and I had never seen him stand still so long” (Hurst, p. 51). The boy is very impressed with what he sees and aims to provide all possible assistance to the wounded bird. He does not want to accept its death, but after he understands what happened, he intends to bury the bird on his own. Such respect for a living creature is no coincidence and is a deliberate author’s technique.
Hurst draws an analogy between the bird and Doodle, and the title of the story confirms this since the behavior of the child is much like the action of the wounded ibis. For example, the narrator mentions the boy’s “awkwardness at digging the hole” (p. 52). Thus, Doodle’s optimism is reflected in his actions and the purity of the character’s thoughts, while his healthy brother has a sharper temper.
The ambiguity of the elder brother’s relationship with the younger one lies in several aspects, and pride is one of the key behavioral factors that distinguish him from Doodle. The narrator himself argues this when he recalls the stubborn exercises of his brother: “I knew he was watching me, watching for a sign of mercy” (Hurst, p. 52). Although the elder child is physically healthy, he is sometimes ashamed of his disabled brother, which is natural for his age. At the same time, he cannot be called a cruel child. He shows condescension to Doodle’s attempts, but he does not have the same optimism and thirst for life. Perhaps, since he does not need to go through all the hardships of his younger brother daily, he cannot understand how much effort the disabled boy has to deal with to achieve success. Sometimes, the elder brother is annoyed, although he regrets it afterward. Therefore, his behavior is harsher, and pride is one of the proofs.
The love of the elder brother to the younger one is not obvious, but it is manifested in detail, although the nature of the narrator does not allow him to support the disabled child with tenderness. Even after the narrator decides to teach Doodle to walk, he confirms that he is not ready to accept any failure and is unhappy with how slowly their workouts are progressing. After the younger brother ceases to show significant results, the elder brother states the following: “I should have already admitted defeat, but my pride wouldn’t let me” (Hurst, p. 50). Therefore, despite his support, the narrator cannot show Doodle his full love, and a sharp character is one of the reasons for this behavior.
The ending of the story shows how the nature of the elder brother influenced the life of the other boy. After he runs away from Doodle in displeasure that the latter does not demonstrate good training outcomes, the disabled boy dies, leaving the narrator in confusion and despair. The elder brother’s pride was one of the reasons why he paid little attention to Doodle and did not wait for him. As a result, the story ends with the following words: “I lay there crying, sheltering my fallen scarlet ibis from the heresy of rain” (Hurst, p. 53). The comparison with the previously dead bird is intentional since both the external image and the inner desire of the younger brother to live are reflected in the story. The elder brother is more introverted and sometimes too tough, while the younger one is open to the knowledge of the world and different from his peers. Therefore, the story ends with an obvious comparison and shows how the different characters of the boys led to the finale.
The distinctive natures of the two brothers are the key indicators of their behaviors and perception of the world, and comparing Doodle with the scarlet ibis is the author’s intentional method. The narrator tends to be proud, and despite his love for his brother, he is sometimes irritable. Doodle, conversely, demonstrates a desire to live and get to know the world and does everything possible to please his loved ones. Therefore, both characters differ significantly, and the ending of the story puts everything in its place.
Hurst, James. “The Scarlet Ibis.” Atlantic Monthly , 1960, pp. 48-53.
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The Scarlet Ibis
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Expectations and Disappointment
The primary conflict of “The Scarlet Ibis” surrounds Doodle ’s disability and how he works to overcome it with the help of Brother . The way in which Hurst presents Doodle’s journey, however, demonstrates that Doodle’s biggest challenges often arise not from his actual disability, but instead from the judgment and pressure he experiences from different people in his life. Brother admits that when Doodle was born, he saw him as a “disappointment” because he…
Brother takes pride in Doodle ’s achievements, and this sense of pride becomes a major motivation for his actions throughout “The Scarlet Ibis.” He gradually acknowledges that he only helps his brother out of a sense of pride, and that this pride leads him to behave selfishly. Other characters, such as Doodle’s parents , also find pride in Doodle’s accomplishments and hard work, spurring Doodle to work harder and harder to please his family. Hurst’s…
Hurst refers to death explicitly and implicitly throughout “The Scarlet Ibis,” using foreshadowing, the symbolism of the ibis itself, and allusions to the Biblical story of Cain and Abel. These devices give the story an allegorical dimension, demonstrating that often the most innocent people die not because they deserve to die, but because of the carelessness and wrongdoing of others. The story contains several examples of foreshadowing of Doodle’s untimely death. For instance, when Doodle…
Humans and Nature
“The Scarlet Ibis” is filled with many rich descriptions of the natural world. It quickly establishes the rural North Carolina farmland in which the story takes place and draws some of its most important symbols from nature. Beyond providing a detailed vision of the story’s setting, however, Hurst uses descriptions of nature and the seasons to mirror the boys’ states of mind as well as the dynamic between them, and to suggest that, like nature…
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The Scarlet Ibis
by James Hurst
- The Scarlet Ibis Summary
In " The Scarlet Ibis ," the narrator recounts events that occured in the past. When the narrator is six, his little brother is born. He is born in a caul, meaning a membrane surrounded his head, so everyone expects him to die. However, the little brother lives, and when he is three months old, their parents give him the name William Armstrong, of which the narrator does not approve.
The narrator is extremely upset that his little brother is disabled; he had high hopes that his sibling would be able to run and jump and play with him. When his mother suggests that his little brother might not turn out to be "all there," the narrator is even more upset; however, when the baby stares right at him and smiles, the narrator knows that he is "all there" after all.
When the baby is two years old, he learns to move around and crawl by himself. As soon as he does, they decide they need to give him a new name that fits him better; they settle on Doodle , because he only crawls backwards, just like a doodlebug. Only their Aunt Nicey does not think this name is fitting; she believes that he should be treated with more respect, since caul babies might turn out to be saints.
Their father builds Doodle a go-cart to get around in, and the narrator is forced to take Doodle with him everywhere he goes. He takes him to a place they call the Old Woman Swamp, and Doodle begins to cry because it is so beautiful. From that moment on they go down to the swamp often and adorn themselves in wildflower crowns and necklaces. At other times, though, the narrator is mean to Doodle; most notably, he takes Doodle to see the coffin that was made for him when everyone thought he was going to die, now sitting forgotten in the barn. He forces Doodle to touch it, and threatens to leave him alone with it if he does not.
When Doodle turns five, the narrator is embarassed by having a brother who cannot walk, so he decides to teach him. It takes a lot of practicing to overcome Doodle's disability, but they press on, because the narrator's pride will not allow him to stop. Finally Doodle stands up on his own, and eventually he can take a few steps by himself. They reveal their success to everyone on Doodle's sixth birthday, and everyone is happy with the narrator for teaching him; the narrator cries, though, because he knows he did it more for himself than for Doodle.
Eventually the narrator believes that he can teach Doodle to do anything, so he decides to teach him to run, swim, climb trees, and fight, so that the following year he can start school on the same level as all the other children. They do not get much practice in that winter, but when spring comes they begin to work hard. However, that summer is terrible, and the family loses a lot of crops. School comes up fast, so the brothers redouble their efforts so that Doodle will be prepared. Doodle, however, is being pushed beyond his limits.
A storm is on the horizon one day, and while they sit and eat lunch they spot a huge red bird in a nearby tree. When they go outside it flies down to the ground and dies at their feet, apparently hurt and exhausted from being thrown off course by the storm. Doodle is especially sympathetic, and gives the bird a proper burial.
After they finish eating the brothers head down to the creek to practice rowing. Doodle is clearly not up for this, but the narrator pushes him anyway. The storm approaches while they row, and when they get back to the bank Doodle is so exhausted and frightened that he collapses into the sand. The narrator helps him up and they attempt to race the storm back home, but Doodle's body is done in and he collapses again. He calls out for the narrator not to leave him, but the narrator has one of his strokes of maliciousness and runs ahead.
The narrator finds his senses and waits for Doodle to catch up, but he never does. He retraces his steps, only to find his little brother lying in the sand, covered in blood from his mouth, dead just like the scarlet ibis. The narrator is devastated, and lies protectively over Doodle's body, crying, to shelter it from the rain.
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
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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
- 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
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COMMENTS
"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.
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 ...
Symbolism. The scarlet ibis is a carefully selected symbol. To understand its significance, it helps to know a bit about the bird. Native to the South American tropics, the scarlet ibis is a vivid ...
Main Events in "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst. The story is set in the American South in the early 1900s, and it follows the relationship between two brothers: the narrator, who is never named, and his younger brother, Doodle. Doodle is born with a physical disability and is not expected to live for very long.
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 ...
In the enchanting world of literature, conflict plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and driving the characters' development. In the short story "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst, the conflict between the protagonist, Brother, and his disabled younger brother, Doodle, is explored in a poignant and profound manner.
The Scarlet Ibis Literary Analysis. By the time we realize who we've done wrong, we can no longer fix the mistakes we've made. "The Scarlet Ibis", written by James Hurst, is a short fiction story. It tells the tale of an older brother who wants to "fix" his younger, disabled brother. The story is filled with elements of symbolism, conflict, and ...
The Scarlet Ibis Summary and Analysis of Part 1. Summary. The story begins in between summer and autumn, with a scarlet ibis landing in a "bleeding tree," which is a tree that oozes sap. Surrounding the tree is a garden with rotting brown magnolias and overgrown weeds, the nearby oriole (a type of bird) nest is empty, and the smell of blooming ...
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 ...
The story "The Scarlet Ibis" which was written by James Hurst in 1960 is a vivid example of a work filled with symbolism as a literary technique. In particular, this method is used to describe the characters of the story and their and relationships. As objects of evaluation, two brothers will be considered, the narrator on whose behalf the ...
867 Words4 Pages. "The Scarlet Ibis" Literary Analysis Essay As the protagonist unfolds his tale, he paints a picture of himself initially as a malevolent force, planning the smothering death of his crippled brother, to a bully, force-teaching Doodle to walk to satisfy his own ends, and finally a neglectful older brother whose acts lead to ...
The Scarlet Ibis study guide contains a biography of James Hurst, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. More books than SparkNotes.
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 ...
At the start of the school year, we were asked to write a literary analysis for a short story called 'The Scarlet Ibis' by David Hurst. After taking a look at my old analysis, I can identify my claim as "In the short story, "The Scarlet …show more content…. I did not expand enough on my topic for readers to understand my argument in ...
The Scarlet Ibis study guide contains a biography of James Hurst, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. More books than SparkNotes.
Summary: "The Scarlet Ibis" employs several literary devices, including symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing. The scarlet ibis bird symbolizes the character Doodle, representing beauty and ...
460 Words2 Pages. James Hurst, author of "Scarlet Ibis," writes in a way so that all readers can determine the theme that can be easily identified as greed and selfishness. It shows two main types of conflict throughout the story. Foreshadowing is an important literary device used in this story, for it allows a reader to envision upcoming ...
"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 reach a wide audience, but it has had a profound effect on the literary world, winning the "Atlantic First" award and being frequently republished in anthologies, textbooks, and other collections.
Ashley Hannam Catherine Paquette Language and Literature 10 April 6th, 2023 "The Scarlet Ibis" A story riddled with prideful ignorance, The Scarlet Ibis, written by James Hurst, is a piece about a young boy named William Armstrong, born in between the times of 1911-1918, with what should've been a fatal heart condition, and his brother ...
The primary conflict of "The Scarlet Ibis" surrounds Doodle 's disability and how he works to overcome it with the help of Brother.The way in which Hurst presents Doodle's journey, however, demonstrates that Doodle's biggest challenges often arise not from his actual disability, but instead from the judgment and pressure he experiences from different people in his life.
The Scarlet Ibis study guide contains a biography of James Hurst, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. More books than SparkNotes.
"The Scarlet Ibis" Literary Analysis Essay As the protagonist unfolds his tale, he paints a picture of himself initially as a malevolent force, planning the smothering death of his crippled brother, to a bully, force-teaching Doodle to walk to satisfy his own ends, and finally a neglectful older brother whose acts lead to Doodle's demise. ...