scarlet ibis essay thesis

The Scarlet Ibis

James hurst, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Literary Theory and Criticism

Home › Literature › Analysis of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis

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.

Share this:

Categories: Literature , Short Story

Tags: American Literature , Analysis of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , appreciation of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , criticism of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , essays of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , guide of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , James Hurst , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis analysis , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis appreciation , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis criticism , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis essays , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis guide , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis notes , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis plot , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis story , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis summary , James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis themes , Literary Criticism , notes of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , plot of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , story of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , summary of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis , The Scarlet Ibis , themes of James Hurst’s The Scarlet Ibis

Related Articles

You must be logged in to post a comment.

English Studies

This website is dedicated to English Literature, Literary Criticism, Literary Theory, English Language and its teaching and learning.

“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

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

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).

Related posts:

• “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams
• “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce: Analysis
• “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe: Analysis
• “Good Country People” by Flannery O’Connor: Analysis

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst Essay

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 relationships 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 many efforts 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.

• "Reconstructing Architecture" by Dutton and Mann
• Ascot School District Case
• Critical Analysis of The Scarlet Letter
• Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”
• "Being Muslim: A Cultural History of Women of Color in American Islam" by Sylvia Chan -Malik
• "Why Don't We Listen Better?" by Jim Petersen
• Triumph of Capitalism and Liberalism in Kagan’s "The Jungle Grows Back"
• "Under the Overpass" by M. Yankoski
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, February 17). “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-scarlet-ibis-by-james-hurst/

"“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst." IvyPanda , 17 Feb. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/the-scarlet-ibis-by-james-hurst/.

IvyPanda . (2022) '“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst'. 17 February.

IvyPanda . 2022. "“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst." February 17, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-scarlet-ibis-by-james-hurst/.

1. IvyPanda . "“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst." February 17, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-scarlet-ibis-by-james-hurst/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst." February 17, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-scarlet-ibis-by-james-hurst/.

The Scarlet Ibis

by James Hurst

The scarlet ibis study guide.

" 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. Today, it is often taught in schools as part of a literature curriculum.

This story takes place around the time of World War I, when the implications of such carnage are still fresh in everyone's minds. Through a simple story of a boy with high hopes for his disabled little brother, "The Scarlet Ibis" relays important themes of pride, differences, determination, brotherhood, and respecting limits, and the relevance of these messages in all time periods contributes to this work's timeless allure. This story details the lengths someone may go to try to fit in or be "normal," whatever that might mean. 

When asked about this work, Hurst said that there are three "characters" in this story: Doodle (the disabled brother), the narrator, and the setting, which plays an important role in the brothers' development. Hurst was reluctant to speak on the meaning of this story, because he claimed that authors very rarely understand what they write. He believed, however, that it "comments on the tenacity and the splendor of the human spirit."

Hurst has also said that he wrote this piece as part of a process of coming to terms with the failure of his singing career, for which he attended school and pursued for three years before giving up. He confirmed at the same time, however, that the characters and events of this story are all the product of his imagination, and are not autobiographical in any sense. 

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

I'm sorry, you need to place your answer choices in the "details" box. Please repost your question.

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
• The Scarlet Ibis Summary
• 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
• James Hurst

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Scarlet Ibis — The Scarlet Ibis Argumentative

The Scarlet Ibis Argumentative

• Categories: Ambition The Scarlet Ibis

About this sample

Words: 600 |

Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 600 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, the destructive power of pride, the consequences of excessive ambition, the impact on interpersonal relationships.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof Ernest (PhD)

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 1090 words

2 pages / 914 words

4 pages / 1725 words

3.5 pages / 2123 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on The Scarlet Ibis

In James Hurst's poignant short story "The Scarlet Ibis," themes of pride, love, and the cruel realities of life are explored through the relationship between two brothers. The vivid imagery and emotional depth of the narrative [...]

The Scarlet Ibis, a short story written by James Hurst, is a poignant tale of love, pride, and the consequences of selfishness. The story follows the life of a young boy named Doodle, who is born with physical disabilities and [...]

Have you ever stopped to consider the power of personification in literature? In the classic short story "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst, personification plays a crucial role in bringing the characters and setting to life. By [...]

In James Hurst's short story "The Scarlet Ibis," the death of Doodle, the fragile and disabled younger brother of the narrator, serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of pride, selfishness, and the inability to accept [...]

In the story “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst uses symbolism to tell his story and gives it a deeper meaning. James Hurst uses the Roman Candle and the weather to emphasize and illustrate how the characters feel in the [...]

The Scarlet Ibis is a heartbreaking story by James Hurst about two brothers; one brother is physically fit (narrator), while the other is physically disabled (Doodle). The story focuses on the idea that the older brother’s [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free