“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst

“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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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

Device	Example	Explanation
Symbolism	The Scarlet Ibis	Represents Doodle: unique, fragile, ultimately doomed.
Simile	“Success lay at the end of summer like a pot of gold”	Compares achieving success to a tangible reward.
Metaphor	“Pride is a wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death.”	Compares pride to a force of nature, both life-giving and destructive.
Foreshadowing	“It was in the clove of seasons, summer was dead but autumn had not yet been born…”	Hints at impending tragedy, mirroring Doodle’s fragile existence.
Imagery	“The flower garden was strained with rotting brown magnolia petals and ironweeds grew rank…”	Creates a vivid image of decay and neglect.
Personification	“…and the oriole nest in the elm was untenanted and rocked back and forth like an empty cradle.”	Gives the nest human-like qualities of loneliness and abandonment.
Alliteration	“…and grind our bodies into the earth.”	The repetition of “d” sounds emphasizes the forcefulness.
Flashback	“…remembering Doodle. That summer, I was six years old…”	Narrator transitions between the past and present to tell the story.
Irony	The narrator’s efforts to help Doodle ultimately cause his death.	Shows the unintended consequences of misguided actions.
Anaphora	“There is within me… a knot of cruelty borne by the stream of love…”	Repetition of “there is within me” emphasizes internal conflict.
Juxtaposition	Doodle’s beauty and fragility with the narrator’s frustrated ambition.	Contrasting elements highlight the themes of the story.
Rhetorical Questions	“Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you all?”	Engages the reader, prompts reflection on shared humanity.
Allusion	References to Biblical figures (Cain and Abel)	Connects with archetypal stories of sibling rivalry.
Motif	Images of death (bleeding tree, dead birds, etc.)	Recurring motif foreshadows Doodle’s fate.
Theme	The dangers of unchecked pride.	Central underlying message of the story.
Tone	Wistful, regretful, evocative	The narrator reflects on the past with sadness and remorse.
Point of View	First person (narrator is Doodle’s brother)	Story filters events through the flawed perspective of the narrator.
Epistolary	Though not the primary format, the story begins like a letter: (“Dear Jane, How are you…”)	Creates a sense of intimacy and reflection.
Onomatopoeia	“Crackle” of palmettos underfoot	Sounds mimic the actual action.
Hyperbole	“Hope no longer hid in the dark palmetto thicket but perched like a cardinal in the top of the pine tree…”	Exaggeration used for emotional impact.

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.
• Doodle (William Armstrong):
  • 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

• Mama:
  • Traits: Loving, protective, superstitious, aware of Doodle’s limitations.
  • Role: Represents unconditional motherly love and acceptance.
• Daddy:
  • Traits: Practical, resigned to Doodle’s condition, less emotionally expressive.
  • Role: Provides a grounded perspective, contrasting with the narrator’s impulsive ambition.
• Aunt Nicey:
  • 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

Theory	Interpretation	Quote
Reader-Response Criticism	Focuses on how the reader experiences and interprets the story. A reader might feel conflicting emotions: sympathy for Doodle, frustration with the narrator, and ultimately a sense of sadness and regret for the tragic outcome. The story prompts the reader to consider their own experiences with pride, ambition, and the fragile bonds of family.	“It was in the clove of seasons, summer was dead but autumn had not yet been born, that the ibis lit in the bleeding tree.” This evocative imagery might create a sense of unease and foreboding in the reader.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Explores psychological motivations of characters. A psychoanalytic reading might focus on the narrator’s unconscious feelings of resentment towards Doodle, stemming from the limitations his disability places on the narrator’s own aspirations. The narrator’s fixation on changing Doodle could be seen as a form of projection, where he attempts to resolve his own insecurities through his brother.	“There is within me…a knot of cruelty borne by the stream of love…” The narrator’s confession suggests an internal struggle between conflicting emotions.
Disability Studies	Examines the social and cultural representation of disability. The story highlights how Doodle’s physical limitations shape how others perceive and interact with him. The narrator’s shame and desire to change Doodle reflect broader societal attitudes and expectations towards individuals with disabilities.	“Success lay at the end of summer like a pot of gold” … “Doodle walked only because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother” The narrator’s focus on “success” and shame reveals the ableist lens through which he views Doodle.
Ecocriticism	Explores the relationship between literature and the natural environment. The motif of the scarlet ibis and other aspects of the natural world are not mere backdrop, but symbolize Doodle’s uniqueness, foreshadow his fate, and suggest an alternative sense of beauty that contrasts with the narrator’s destructive ambitions.	“For a long time, it seemed forever, I lay there crying, sheltering my fallen scarlet ibis from the heresy of rain.” The ibis’ death and the image of the narrator sheltering it highlight the fragility of life and the natural world.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

Articles:

Websites:

• 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).

Books:

• 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).