The Scarlet IbisBy: Brook Russell, Becca Roe, Kara

McKinney, Emily Robitaille

James Hurst

• Grew up on a farm in North Carolina. Many people believe that is where he got his inspiration for the story.

• A man of many talents, he has a degree in chemical engineering, served in the army, and studied at the Julliard School of Music.

• He was a bank employee by night and an author by day.• During the 50’s and 60’s, he published several short

stories and a play.

Vocabulary

• Careen- to tilt or sway while moving, as if out of control. The boat careened during the storm.

• Serene- calm; peaceful; undisturbed. The swamp was serene in the early morning.

• Blighted- damaged or spoiled. Doodle’s handicap blighted his childhood dreams.

• Reiterate- to say/do again. The teacher reiterated the weekend homework assignment.

• Precariously- dangerously; insecurely. The girl precariously tip-toed around the smoldering campfire.

Theme

The theme of “The Scarlet Ibis” is to never be ashamed of your family. This is evident because throughout the story the older brother was only helping Doodle, his younger brother, because he was embarrassed. He teaches his brother to walk, so he will not be slowed down.

Plot Elements

• Characters: Doodle and his older brother, their parents, Aunt Nicey, the scarlet ibis.

• Setting: The story takes place on farmland circa World War I.

• Basic Situation: A story of two brothers and their relationship.

• External Conflict: Doodle’s handicap.• Internal Conflict: The older brother is ashamed

of his brother and the fact that he can not walk.

• Point of view: The short story is in first person. (The older brother)

• Protagonist: both of the brothers

• Antagonist: the handicap

• Dynamic: Doodle’s older brother

• Static: Doodle

• Tone: The author feels sad that everything happened the way it did.

Irony

There are a few of examples of irony in this short story. One is that the bird was a representation of Doodle, weak and lost. Another was when Doodle was lying in the rain, he was bleeding and looked just like a scarlet ibis. Finally, Doodle saw a resemblance between his handicap and the injured bird.

Characterization

• Characterization is the method a writer uses to reveal the personality of a character.

• The character can be revealed through the narrator’s statements; through the character’s words, thoughts, and actions, as well as other characters’ thoughts and actions.

• It helps you understand a character’s actions.• An example of characterization in “The Scarlet Ibis” is

how Doodle reacted to the hurt bird in his yard. He was very serious and sincere and it showed that he is very caring and sensitive.

“Dig Deeper”

Connecting to the story:

• Most siblings fight, just like in the story.

• You depend on your family, even through tough times.

• The author lives in North Carolina and the setting of this story was inspired by the landscape around him.

Other

• “Authors seldom understand what they write. That is why we have critics.”

- James Hurst• A scarlet Ibis is a tropical bird with bright red

feathers; long, thin, red legs; a long, slender neck that can curve gracefully into an S-shape; a curved beak; and glossy black wing tips.

• It is native to South America but can be often spotted along the Gulf coast.

“ The Scarlet Ibis”