“The Scarlet Ibis”
Analysis and Writing
Activities
Who is narrating the story?
When does the story about Doodle take place?
Why does the narrator teach Doodle to walk,
and why does he cry when his family
congratulates him for his effort?
After Doodle has learned to walk, what does his
brother try to teach him to prepare him for
school?
How does Doodle respond to the scarlet ibis
and to its death?
Explain your opinion of the narrator’s behavior
at the end of the story.
Is the narrator somehow responsible for
Doodle’s death?
Is the narrator’s emotion at the very end sorrow,
grief, or something else?
By the end, whom do you pity more—the
narrator or Doodle? Why?
Do you think the narrator makes any kind of
discovery at the story’s end as he cradles his
brother’s little body?
In the last sentence the narrator calls his brother
his “fallen scarlet ibis.” In what ways could the
ibis be a symbol for Doodle?
In your groups, create a statement of
the theme of “The Scarlet Ibis.”
Remember a theme must be stated in a declarative
sentence. Start by watching this video:
https://learnzillion.com/lessons/924-determine-thetheme-of-a-story
Steps to stating theme:
1. Decide what the main topics of the story are.
2. Decide what the protagonist learned.
3. Think of big life lessons.
4. Write down the theme.
Double Cheeseburger Paragraph
Some people say that they will never forget
“The Scarlet Ibis.” Why might people find this
story so memorable? How does the story and its
symbolism appeal to the reader’s emotions?
Create a prewrite.
1st
point
Example
from text
How
example
relates
2nd
point
Example
from text
How
example
relates
Restate the prompt in an original,
declarative sentence.
Create one sentence of your own that
addresses all of the questions.
Introduce your evidence.
Write one sentence that addresses your first
point and introduces it.
State your first point.
Write one sentence that states your first point.
Explain your first main point.
Write one sentence that uses evidence from
the text to explain your first point.
Introduce your evidence.
Write one sentence that addresses your
second point and introduces it.
State your second point.
Write one sentence that states your second
point.
Explain your second main point.
Write one sentence that uses evidence from
the text to explain your second point.
Write a “so what” conclusion
Write a sentence that sums up your argument
by identifying why your argument is valid and
important.
Proofread your work.
Check to make sure the following statements
are true and you:




Avoided the use of “I” or “you”
Kept all verbs in the same tense
Used precise words that captured your meaning
Kept language academic and free of contractions
or slang words
 Avoided beginning sentences with interjections.