BEFORE YOU READ . . .
“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst (Textbook, pages 594-604)
Name: _________________________________________________ Period: _____ Date: ______________
This packet, except for the essay is worth a total of 115 points. It should be completed by _____________.
As you read this story think about the narrator. How does he behave towards the main character and
what are his feelings? The narrator is the big brother to the main character. Would you describe him as a
typical big brother? Does he act and feel the way you expect big brothers to act and feel? Or does he do
things that are surprising or different for a big brother?
When you have completed the reading of this story you will have to write an essay answering this
question:
Is the narrator what you would call a typical big brother?
Your essay should be at least 250 words, with at least three quotes from the story backing up your
opinion. Remember that when I say “quotes from the story” I am not only referring to what the characters
say, but everything the author writes. Anything you repeat in exactly the words the author uses is a quote.
Your essay should be typed or handwritten, double spaced, with your name, period, date, and the
title of your essay on the first four lines along the left margin.
To help you write your essay, use the attached sheet to take notes on the narrator’s words,
thoughts, and actions as you read the story.
Your completed essay is worth fifty points, and is due on ___________________. It will be graded
for these three items: 1) Have you explained what you mean by “a typical big brother? (up to 20 pts.)
2) Do you have at least three supporting quotes in your writing? (up to 20 pts.)
3) Have you followed the correct format? (up to 10 pts.)
PLEASE DO NOW (5 points)
Before you begin the story, answer this question on the lines below: If you could choose a new
nickname for yourself, what would it be and why would you choose it? You need to fill at least six lines for
your answer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
INFORMATION ON THE SCARLET IBIS:
It is a bird, 22 to 24 inches in length, with a long neck and a long,
curved, probing bill. The bright color comes from pigments in the bodies of the crustaceans on which it feeds. In this
way it is much like a flamingo. Usually this tropical bird stays in the same general area throughout its life.
AS YOU READ . . .
“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst (Textbook, pages 594-604)
As you read, use this sheet to take notes on what the narrator does, says, and thinks. If you think
the narrator reacts as most big brothers you know would, list his reactions in the left column. If his reactions
are not like any big brother you know, list those in the right column. DON’T FORGET TO PUT PAGE
NUMBERS WITH YOUR NOTES! (Worth up to 25 points)
Words, thoughts, and actions
typical of a big brother
Words, thoughts, and actions
not so typical of a big brother
AFTER YOU READ THE STORY . . .
Symbolism in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
Textbook pages 594-604
PLEASE DO NOW: Which animal most symbolizes you and why? (five line minimum) (5 points)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
From your glossary of literary terms write a definition for SYMBOL on the lines below (5 points):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Authors use symbols to enhance the theme or give the readers a greater understanding of a key idea in a
story. The main symbol is the scarlet ibis itself, but to get us ready for this symbol the author “paints” his
story red. Skim through the story and find at least five things, images, and ideas that are red or imply red
and record them on this chart. Follow the example given below. Use quotation marks to show that you have
taken this information directly from the text. (Worth up to 25 points)
EXAMPLE
“bleeding tree”
PAGE NUMBER, COLUMN
p. 594, col. 2
Listed on the right are descriptions of Doodle as he appears at the end of the story. On pages 601-602 the
narrator describes the scarlet ibis in very similar ways. Find the descriptions of the scarlet ibis that most
match the descriptions of Doodle. (Worth up to 20 points)
SCARLET IBIS
DOODLE
“letting one hand trail loosely in the water” (603)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Doodle was both tired and frightened”(603)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
”making his vermilion neck appear unusually
long and slim” (604)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“His little legs bent sharply at the knees, had
never before seemed so fragile, so thin.” (604)
Theme in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
Textbook, pages 594-604
In the spaces below write out the five sentences in the story containing the words “pride” or “proud.”
Remember to list the page numbers with them. (Worth up to 25 points)
1. (Sentence and page number)___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2. (Sentence and page number)___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3. (Sentence and page number)___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4. (Sentence and page number)___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
5. (Sentence and page number)___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Taking the sentences on pride into consideration, what is the theme of this story? Write a statement of
theme for this story in your own words (5 points).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________