Point Of View In The Scarlet Ibis By James Hurst

Everyone has something in their life to be grateful for, no matter what struggles they may be going through. Day to day things such as a warm bed to go home to, or, someone to laugh with goes unrecognized. Because ungratefulness is a well known subject in writing many authors use it. Through the use of point of view in “The Scarlet Ibis” James Hurst warns of unrealistic standards robbing one’s gratitude of life.
From birth, Doodle is seen as a disappointment rather than meeting the expectation of an ideal brother. The older brother wants, “More than anything else someone to race to Horsehead Landing with, someone to box with, and someone to perch with in the top fork of great pine.” (1) The boy sets an expectation of an ideal brother, but when the outcome of his brother does not meet his qualifications he is utterly disappointed and ungrateful. His high standards prevent him from understanding the real value of his brother. When, “[Doodle] was born… and was, from outset, disappointment.”(1) to the brother, he creates a

He is especially, “Embarrassed at having a brother of that age who couldn’t walk…”(2) He worries more about his brother’s disabilities affecting his reputation, than about the relationship with his brother. Social standards prevent him from seeing his brother as someone who loves him and who would do anything for him. Rather than shame, he could show gratitude because of him. In the end the boy, “Lay there crying, sheltering [his] fallen scarlet ibis from the heresy of rain.”(7) He comes to recognize and value that his brother is his best friend and an irreplaceable treasure. By sheltering Doodle, he shows deep respect and care for him. In the beginning, the brother worries of how people will judge him according to his brother; through the events of Doodle’s death he humbles himself to recognize that his own perception and gratitude are more