Doodle : Analysis Of The Scarlet Ibis, By James Hurst

1612 Words7 Pages
The Scarlet Ibis and Doodle: Analysis
There are two complex words that express the way humans live and how they get through life—pride and determination. Two words with massive connotations to them that can either result in a good or bad outcome. A good example is that of “The Scarlet Ibis” written by James Hurst. A fragile and determined little boy who dies due to his brother’s pride is compared to a bird known as the “scarlet ibis”. Doodle was born as a very fragile child. In his first few moments into the world, the majority of his family believed that he would die, however he proved them wrong and lived on for a few years. The scarlet ibis, a very exotic red bird, also faces its own challenges. James Hurst describes this through the perspective of the brother, who comes to the realization of all of his past mistakes. Even though Doodle does not resemble a bird, the treatment, death, and fragility of him and the scarlet ibis are quite similar and used to express James Hurst’s lesson that there are many obstacles to achieve true acceptance.
First, Doodle and the ibis are both treated as precious misunderstood creatures with their own personal imperfections. In the beginning of the story, Doodle’s brother is reminiscing on old memories and describes Doodle as “someone you meet in your dreams” (Hurst 342). Doodle, since birth, is aware that he cannot function like most of the other kids, for “he mustn’t get too excited, hot, cold, or too tired” (Hurst 345). He was born with
Get Access
Related

  • The Scarlet Ibis Analysis

    1415 Words  | 6 Pages

    dreaded because there is an unpredictable world of adulthood waiting with no guarantees. James Hurst demonstrates the journey of growing up through life experiences everyone goes through in the short story, “The Scarlet Ibis”. Throughout his use of mood, setting, and symbolism, Hurst shows that maturing requires reflecting on past experiences and losing innocence, which then can transform one’s outlook on life. Hurst uses the mood of the story to convey the character's’ feelings and tells the audience

    Read More

  • Scarlet Ibis

    868 Words  | 4 Pages

    2013 The Scarlet Ibis: A Literary Analysis There are multiple literary elements that combine together to create the theme and mood of a story. In the short story, “The Scarlet Ibis,” the author, James Hurst, demonstrates the use of literary elements and the importance of vital life lessons. The mood in this short story is deeply nostalgic and melancholy. The narrator faces the difficult obstacle of his pride vs. Himself (which is also the critical theme of the story). In the story, Hurst uses the

    Read More

  • Teaching Middle and High School Students Literature

    7100 Words  | 29 Pages

    Teacher and Author: Teaching Middle and High School Using Literature Sandra Coleman Grand Canyon University RGD 545 Professor Karen Foster February 27, 2008 Teaching Middle and High School Student Using Literature Outline: I. Short Stories a) Activating Prior Knowledge b) Responding to the Selection c) Short Story Selections 1. Suggested Activities to use with Various Groups

    Read More

More about Doodle : Analysis Of The Scarlet Ibis, By James Hurst

Get Access