Warm Up
• Figure out each Rebus puzzle below. Based on
the clues in each box, come up with a name,
work or phrase for that box.
• Example:
= Head over Heels
Warm Up Answers
•
•
•
•
•
History repeats itself
You’re under arrest
Update
Point blank range
Walk in the park
Similes, Metaphors and Symbols
in “The Scarlet Ibis”
Definitions, examples and practice
Objectives
• Define the concept of theme and identify the
theme(s) in a story.
• Identify and explain the use of figurative
language in short stories.
• Identify and explain the use of
symbols/symbolism in short stories.
Similes and Metaphors
• Similes and Metaphors
• In this lesson, you'll discover two ways authors
use specific words to add interest to their
writing.
• SIMILES AND METAPHORS are two more kinds
of figurative language that authors use to add
interest to their writing.
Similes
• A simile compares two things by using the words
like or as.
• Example 1
• I was so embarrassed; my face was as red as a
beet!
• How can the author compare a person's face to a
vegetable? They're so different! True, but they
are alike in one way: Both are red. Picturing this
can help you visualize the character and
understand his or her motives in a story.
Similes
• Here are few more similes. What do they help
you visualize?
• You and I are as alike as two peas in a pod!
• She is as quiet as a mouse.
• His sadness was as unending as the waves
crashing on shore.
• I know I can trust him; he's as honest as the day is
long.
• I can't get her to do anything; she's as stubborn
as a mule!
Metaphors
• A metaphor compares two things without using
like or as. The text states that one thing is, or has
the characteristics of, another.
• Example 2
• The dog's eyes were searchlights, looking for any
sign of kindness.
• Is the author tying to get you to picture a dog
with huge searchlights for eyes? No, the author
wants you to visualize a poor dog staring intently,
looking for kindness from a stranger.
Metaphor
• Here are a few more metaphors. What do you
visualize with each?
• Night is a curtain that eventually falls.
• The quarterback is a well-maintained machine.
• She is a beacon of light, guiding us home.
• Strength and honor are his uniform.
• Silence is an invited guest, allowing me time to
think.
• Practice exercises for this study guide can be
found at:
Simile and Metaphor Practice.
Practice 1: Word Rhymes: Here are three very short four-line rhymes that
contain similes and metaphors. Read each, and then answer the questions
that follow.
The breeze is a messenger,
As sweet as roses in bloom,
That fills all the corners
Of my lonely room.
The sky is a blanket
Bejeweled with diamonds so bright
That twinkle and sparkle
Like fireflies at night.
The street is a river
On which traffic can flow
Where cars scurry like fish
And swish to and fro.
Simile and Metaphor Practice.
1. In the first rhyme, the author uses a simile to compare a
a. fish to the scent of a rose.
b. breeze to the sweet smell of roses.
c. messenger to a lonely room.
d. lonely room to a windstorm.
2. Which of these is NOT a metaphor?
a. The breeze is a messenger.
b. The sky is a blanket.
c. like fireflies at night
d. he street is a river.
3. How does the author use a simile in the last rhyme?
a. to compare the street to a river
b. to compare cars to fish
c. to compare stars to fireflies
d. to compare roses to traffic
Simile and Metaphor Practice.
Answers:
1. B
2. C
3. d
Simile and Metaphor Practice.
• On your own piece of paper, answer the
questions based on the two examples on the
handouts provided. There are 10 multiple
choice questions total.
Simile and Metaphor Practice.
Answers:
4. d
5. c
6. a
7. d
8. b
9. c
10. d
11. b
12. d
13. c
Symbols and Symbolism
A symbol is something that represents something else, either by
association or by resemblance. It can be a material object or a
written sign used to represent something invisible.
Language itself is a system of spoken or written symbols by which
we communicate. Every word is a symbol; the five letters that form
the word 'chair' represent a sound as well as a physical object.
In writing, symbolism is the use of a word, a phrase, or a
description, which represents a deeper meaning than the words
themselves. This kind of extension of meaning can transform the
written word into a very powerful instrument.
On the following pagse we'll first describe some common types of
symbols that illustrate how symbols can be used, and then we'll
show you how symbolism is used in writing with some familiar
examples.
Symbols
Religious Symbolism
Religious symbolism is the use of text, images, procedures, or actual
physical objects to represent an idea or belief. The most common
example is the use of objects to symbolize the faith itself, as in the
use of a cross to represent Christianity, or the Star of David to
represent Judaism.
There are many more symbols used in religion. For example, in
Christianity the sacraments (holy communion, baptism, ordination
and marriage) are symbols of spiritual change in the participants. In
communion, the bread and wine are symbolic of the body and shed
blood of Jesus, which are themselves also symbolic of the salvation
of the recipient.
Other Christian symbols include the dove (symbolic of the Holy
Spirit), and the sacrificial lamb (symbolic of Christ's sacrifice).
Symbols
Political Symbolism
Political symbolism is often used to represent a political standpoint. It can take the
form of banners, acronyms, pictures, flags, mottos, and many other things.
For example, the Canadian flag contains a maple leaf, which has long been a
symbol of things Canadian. The two bars represent both the Pacific and Atlantic
oceans which bound the country on either side, and the two founding cultures,
English and French.
The mid-20th century German Nazi Party made extensive use of graphic symbols.
These included the swastika, the eagle, the iron cross, and the dual lightning bolts
(the symbol of the SS) pictured at the left.
It should be obvious from these two examples that symbols can also evoke strong
emotions, be they feelings of patriotism, as in the case of a flag, or anger, hatred
and fear in the case of Nazi symbolism.
Symbols
Colour Symbolism
Simple colours can also be symbolic, depending
on your location, or the context in which they are
used. Red, white and blue are symbolic of all
things American. Green has come to represent
anything which is environmentally friendly.
Colours can represent different things depending
on where you live. For example, in Asian
countries, red symbolizes happiness, marriage,
and prosperity; in some countries the colour of
mourning is white.
Symbols
Architectural Symbolism
The design of some buildings is meant to be symbolic.
The building in the picture at the right is the Canadian
War Museum. The front of the building represents the
bow of ship, symbolizing our navies and the role they
played in wartime.
The windows on the this roof are also symbolism,
albeit in a more subtle form; they spell out, in Morse
Code, the English and French phrases "Lest we forget"
and "N'oublions jamais".
Symbols
Advertising Symbolism
Just as in any media, symbolism is used
extensively in advertising. A good example, with
which you are certainly familiar, is the use of
actors dressed in white lab coats who are
discussing the merits of a product in a laboratory
setting. These symbols of the medical profession
are meant to imply that the product has been
approved by and has the support of doctors or
medical scientists.
Symbols
Mathematical Symbolism
Symbols used in mathematics can represent
numbers, operations, sets, or many other
things. This is perhaps the simplest kind of
symbolism. Some common mathematical
symbols include + for the operation of
addition, or pi for the transcendental number
3.14159... , and a host of others.
Symbols in Literature
• In literature, symbolism is used to provide meaning to the writing
beyond what is actually being described. The plot and action that
take place in a story can be thought of as one level, while the
symbolism of certain things in the writing act on another level to
enhance the story.
Symbolism can take place by having the theme of a story
represented on a physical level. A simple example might be the
occurrence of a storm at at critical point, when there is conflict or
high emotions. The storm might symbolize these. Similarly a
transition from day to night, or spring to winter, could symbolize a
move from goodness to evil, or hope to despair. A river in a scene
could represent the flow of life, from birth to death. Flowers can
symbolize youth or beauty.
Not everything in a story is necessarily symbolic. A garden landscape
is just a garden ... until it is contrasted with a bustling city, at which
point the garden could symbolize tranquility, peace, or escape.
Symbols in Literature
Let's look at some actual examples of symbolism used in literature and other media, with which you might be
familiar. In Citizen Kane, a child's sled symbolizes the lost innocence of childhood ... although you don't
realize this until the end of the movie.
•
In the novel Animal Farm, the entire story is a symbol for the evils of communism, with the main animal
characters representing key figures in the Russian revolution. The novel can be read entirely as a children's
story, but when you come to realize what the various elements and characters in the story symbolize, the
novel takes on a whole new meaning. That's why this particular work has become such a classic. This kind
of story is called an allegory.
•
In The Lord of the Flies, Ralph with his conch shell represents order and democracy, while Jack symbolizes
savagery and anarchy. The island itself symbolizes the world in which we live, and the actions of the
characters are symbolic of the way different people conduct their lives. The beast represents the darker
side of human nature.
The movie series Star Wars has been described as symbolic of faith and religion in our world overcoming
evil.
The song I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack is full of symbolism. The song isn't really about dancing at
all ... dancing is a symbol for getting the most out of life. When she sings '"I hope you never fear those
mountains in the distance", the mountains symbolize our fears about the future, or obstacles in life we
must overcome.
The play MacBeth by William Shakespeare uses blood, both real and imagined, as a symbol of guilt, both
of MacBeth and Lady MacBeth. Another symbol used in the play is a raven, which usually represents ill
fortune.
The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling could be seen as containing a lot of symbolism, although there are
as many interpretations as there are creatures in the books! (The author isn't saying). One clear example is
a commonly used one; the use of a snake to represent evil. It is no coincidence that the symbol of
Slytherin House is a serpent.
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The Scarlet Ibis
by James Hurst
Feature Menu
Introducing the Story
Literary Focus: Symbols
Reading Skills: Making Inferences from
Details
The Scarlet Ibis
by James Hurst
The Scarlet Ibis
Introducing the Story
I thought myself pretty smart at many
things . . .
The Scarlet Ibis
Introducing the Story
In “The Scarlet Ibis” the narrator tells of his experience growing
up with his physically disabled brother, Doodle, on a farm in the
South.
• The narrator develops a bond with his younger brother and
teaches him to walk. But he learns a tragic lesson when he
pushes Doodle too hard.
I did not know then that pride is a wonderful, terrible thing,
a seed that bears two vines, life and death.
—from “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
[End of Section]
The Scarlet Ibis
Literary Focus: Symbols
A symbol is an object, event, person, or animal that stands for
something more than itself.
• Symbols are all around you
in your everyday life. Their
special meanings have
been handed down over
time.
The Scarlet Ibis
Literary Focus: Symbols
In literature, symbols add deeper levels of meaning to a work.
• A writer might take a regular object or event and make it
stand for some human concern.
• Sometimes a symbol is associated with a particular
character.
Symbols speak to the reader’s emotions and imagination. They
make stories memorable.
The Scarlet Ibis
Literary Focus: Symbols
In “The Scarlet Ibis,” you’ll notice similarities and links between
one character and a bird.
• Pay attention to how the author
makes a symbolic connection
between the character and the
bird.
• This symbolism can help deepen
your understanding of the
character.
[End of Section]
The Scarlet Ibis
Reading Skills: Making Inferences from Details
As you read a story, you make inferences, or educated
guesses, about what the writer is trying to say.
• You can base your inferences on your own prior knowledge
and on evidence from the text.
Prior Knowledge
Evidence from Text
• about how stories
work
• descriptions
• about your own life
experiences
+
• setting
• dialogue
=
Inference
The Scarlet Ibis
Reading Skills: Making Inferences from Details
One way to make better inferences is to notice important
details in the story.
• Details may seem insignificant at first, but most writers choose
details carefully to help convey a certain meaning or message.
• Colors, seasons, names, times, objects, animals, and
clothing—almost any little thing can help you make
inferences about meaning.
The Scarlet Ibis
Reading Skills: Making Inferences from Details
Pay attention to details as you read “The Scarlet Ibis,” and
practice making inferences. Keep track of the little things:
trees
animals
colors
gestures
flowers
weather
What larger meanings can you infer from these details?
[End of Section]
Scarlet Ibis Questions
Answer each of the following questions using complete sentences.
1. What might the “bleeding tree” symbolize? What do we associate with
the colour red?
2. What details from the third paragraph tells you that the story takes place
in the past?
3. What comparison does the author make in the third paragraph? What
type of figurative language is it? What does it tell you about his bother?
4. In the 4th paragraph, what does the narrator want?
5. Why is it important to the narrator that his brother is “all there”?
6. What comparison (2nd paragraph on page 417) does the narrator make
regarding his brother? What type of comparison is it?
7. Answer the yellow box question #1
8. Why doesn’t Aunt Nicey like Doodle’s nickname? What do you think
about the narrator nicknaming his little brother?
9. What inference can you make about Doodle based on his reaction to the
swamp?
Scarlet Ibis Questions
10. The narrator says “at times I was mean to Doodle” , write at
least three examples.
11. After reading about how the brother’s trip to the swamp
ends (top right column on pg. 418), what might it foreshadow?
12. What does the narrator mean when he says, “I did not know
then that pride is a wonderful, terrible thing… death.
13. Answer the yellow box question #2 on pg. 419
14. What do you think the cardinal they see symbolizes? (pg 419)
15. After finishing reading pg. 419, do you think the narrator
judges himself too harshly? Explain your answer.
16. Why do you think Doodle lies on pg. 421?
17. Do you think the narrator’s goals for Doodle will be realized?
Why or why not? (pg 421 top right hand column)
Scarlet Ibis Questions
18. What type of figurative language is used to
describe “promise” on pg 421?
19. If summer is a symbol of what is to come, what
do you think may lie in Doodle’s future?
20. Answer yellow box question #3 on pg. 422.
21. In the opening of the story, the narrator refers
to the “clove of season” and he refers to it again
on pg 422 (bottom left column). Why might he
repeat this phrase here?
22. What might Daddy’s comment about the
weather, at the bottom of pg. 422, foreshadow?
Scarlet Ibis Questions
23. Describe the bird that lands in the bleeding tree. What might the fact that the
bird landed in that particular tree symbolize/foreshadow? (pg. 423)
24. The physical details of Doodle’s response to the bird seems to unsettle the
narrator. What does the description hint at? (pg. 423)
25. What are the two things compared in the simile at the top of pg. 424?
26. Answer the yellow box Question #4. (pg 424)
27. Answer the yellow box question #5. (pg. 424)
28. Look at the two settings described at the bottom of pg 424 and the top of pg.
425. what is the contrast between these two scenes? What might it
foreshadow?
29. What does Doodle do on pg. 425 that disappoints the narrator so much?
30. The word “solder” means to repair by melting metal and dripping it on an
object. Why do you think the narrator didn’t’ say anything to Doodle?
30. What does Doodle yell to the narrator when the narrator begins to run from the
storm? What is the narrator’s reaction?
31. Answer yellow box question #6.
32. What is the metaphor at the end of the story?
33. In what ways can the ibis be a symbol for Doodle? Think about: the
resemblance between the two, Doodle’s reactions to the bird, both of their
struggles to survive and the similarities between their deaths.