the Scarlet Ibis Background James Hurst published in the 1960s (July)

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2 the Scarlet Ibis Background Author Publication James Hurst published in the 1960s (July) Influence the Scarlet Ibis was the first and only work of Hurst's to achieve widespread success. 2

3 the Scarlet Ibis Background, Con t: The Bird Itself Native of the South American tropics The scarlet ibis is vivid red but loses its color if it doesn t eat the proper diet. It needs a particular habitat in order to thrive The scarlet ibis is an endangered species which has not bred successfully in its natural habitat since the 1960s. 3

4 the Scarlet Ibis Background, Con t: The Story Explores the conflicts between love and pride and draws attention to the effects of familial and societal expectations on those who are handicapped. Draws a powerful symbolic connection between the handicapped child, Doodle, and the beautiful and rare Scarlet Ibis. 4

5 Overview Plot at a Glance The story focuses on the troubled relationship between two young boys: the narrator and his mentally and physically disabled brother, Doodle. His brother wants a normal-functioning brother and sometimes even has dark thoughts about murdering him. 5

6 Overview Plot at a Glance Motivated by a smile Doodle gives the narrator, however, Brother decides to teach Doodle how to walk as well as learn other skills a normal boy would possess. With his brother pushing him, perhaps too hard to be something he is not, Doodle s health begins to decline. 6

7 Literary Focus Symbols The Scarlet Ibis In the course of the story, Doodle becomes symbolically identified with a rare and beautiful Scarlet Ibis Connections Between The Scarlet Ibis and Doodle 1a.The Scarlet ibis, an exotic bird that does not belong in the narrator's region, lands in their backyard 1b.Doodle is forced to do things that he should not have to try to do and is forced out of his element 2a.The red bird falls from the tree it is in, and lands dead at the feet of Doodle s family 2b.Forced out of his element Doodle loses his color (as a Scarlet Ibis would) and his health declines The shaded area of the map highlights the region populated by the Scarlet Ibis 7

8 Symbols, Con t: Coffin and Go-Cart Representative of both the expectations of Doodle s family and Doodle s ability to overcome those expectations (that he is going to die as an infant and that he will never walk) Weather Reflects the mood of the story the weather often mirrors if good or bad things are happening in the story 8

9 Literary Focus Themes and Conflicts The ins-and-outs of (Brotherly) Love Selfish pride can lead to destruction Disabilities can be blessings and curses Expectations and Limitations of... Beauty Found in the Unique Age and Experience within relationships 9

10 Literary Focus Foreshadowing Hurst frequently uses foreshadowing to suggest an upcoming event. In the Scarlet Ibis this is most clearly used to hint at death coming: Doctor's warning about Doodle's weak heart: foreshadows the decline of Doodle s health. The changing of seasons being described in terms of death and rebirth. 10

11 Literary Focus Point of View The story is told as a firstperson reminiscence by Brother. This is noteworthy because Brother is looking back on events from his childhood with the maturity of an adult. Literary Focus Irony The narration suggest that the story is told with sympathy for Brother, but, because of the honesty of the narrative, Doodle is the more sympathetic character. Furthermore, Brother s attempts to help Doodle are ultimately harmful to him. 11

12 Characters Doodle Mentally and physically challenged/delayed. Doodle is a disappointment to his family, especially to Brother. Everyone expects Doodle to die, but he defies them all and survives, becoming a loving boy with a strong attachment to Brother. 12

13 Characters Brother He does not name himself but is referred to by Doodle, his brother, only as "Brother." Brother grows ashamed of Doodle's limitations and regularly taunts him. Brother loves Doodle, but the love is tainted with cruelty and embarrassment. 13