preview

The Scarlet Ibis And The Cask Of Amontillado Analysis

Decent Essays

James Hurst, the author of “The Scarlet Ibis” and Edgar Allen Poe, the author of “ The Cask of Amontillado” both display a theme of appearance versus reality.The appearance versus reality theme means that what something one believes to be true may not be (at times). “The Scarlet Ibis” displays theme in relation to Doodle’s well-being while“The Cask of Amontillado” shows the lesson by how the use of verbal irony can be practiced to trick Fortunato, and how human emotions guide what Fortunato chooses to believe. Overall, “The Scarlet Ibis” and “the Cask of Amontillado” both effectively display the appearance versus reality theme in their own distinctive ways.
“The Scarlet Ibis” shows that what is perceived to be may not always be true. For instance, Doodle was born in a caul, so many people had little hope for his survival. Even when he attempts to sit upright, the doctor fears that with his “weak heart this strain would kill him…”(Hurst 555). However, they do not count on his mental strength, and with a lot of perseverance “He learned how to crawl...For the first time he became one of them [us]” (Hurst 555). This proves the appearance vs. reality theme because even though Doodle’s body was shriveled up and doctors said he would die, Doodle lives. He shows that even though he is physically abnormal, his internal strength is much greater than that of any average boy, and he can do anything he puts his mind to. Another example of this theme in the story is when they start to

Get Access