Asiaiana McCutcheon - The Scarlet Ibis MLA
.docx
School
Lawndale High**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
CHEMISTRY HONORS UC
Subject
Arts & Humanities
Date
Dec 18, 2024
Pages
1
Uploaded by MatePencilGull49
The Scarlet Ibis is a short story written by James Hurst, first published in 1960. The story is set in the early 1900s and follows the life of a young boy named Doodle and his relationship with his older brother. The story explores themes of pride, love, and the consequences of selfishness.In MLA format, the citation for The Scarlet Ibis would be as follows:Hurst, James. "The Scarlet Ibis." The Atlantic Monthly, July 1960, pp. 45-51.The story begins with the narrator reminiscing about his younger brother, Doodle, who was born with physical disabilities. The narrator, whose name is never revealed, expresses his disappointment and embarrassment towards Doodle's condition. However, he is determined to teach Doodle how to walk, swim, and run, in the hopes of making him "normal."Throughout the story, the narrator's pride becomes a driving force behind his actions. He pushes Doodle to his limits, often disregarding his brother's physical limitations. The narrator's motivation is not solely out of love for Doodle, but rather to prove his own abilities as a teacher and caregiver. This selfishness is evident when the narrator admits, "I did not know then that pride is a wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death."As the story progresses, the narrator's pride leads to tragic consequences. Despite warnings from their family and the doctor, the narrator forces Doodle to participate in physically demanding activities. The climax of the story occurs during a storm, when the narrator pushes Doodle to run faster than he is capable of. Exhausted and unable to keep up, Doodle collapses and dies, symbolizing the death of their relationship and the consequences of the narrator's selfishness.The Scarlet Ibis is a powerful story that explores the complexities of human relationships and the destructive nature of pride. Through vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, Hurst effectively conveys the themes of love, pride, and the consequences of selfishness. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance in our relationships with others.In conclusion, The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst is a thought-provoking short story that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Through the narrator's journey with his disabled brother, the story explores themes of pride, love, and the consequences of selfishness. Hurst's masterful storytelling and vivid imagery make The Scarlet Ibis a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
