The Scarlet Ibis
By: 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 tiptoed 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”