The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst

The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst Feature Menu Introducing the Story Literary Focus: Symbols and Theme TechFocus Reading Focus: Analyzing Details Writing Focus: Think as a Reader/Writer

The Scarlet Ibisby James Hurst What might be learned from a relationship or encounter with someone who is different from us?

The Scarlet Ibis Introducing the Story Click on the title to start the video.

The Scarlet IbisIntroducing the Story I thought myself pretty smart at many things. . .

The Scarlet IbisIntroducing the Story The narrator of “The Scarlet Ibis” describes his life with Doodle, his physically disabled brother. • When the narrator decides that Doodle will learn to walk—and perhaps run— he may be in for a painful lesson about life: I did not know then that pride is a wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death. —from “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst [End of Section]

The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus: Symbols and Theme A symbol is an object, person, animal, or event that we often associate with other concepts. • Symbols are all around us in our everyday lives. • Their special meanings often have been handed down over time.

The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus: Symbols and Theme In literature, the use of symbols adds deeper levels of meaning to a work. • A writer might take an object or event and make it stand for some human concern. • A symbol might even be associated with a particular character, like that magic lamp and Aladdin.

The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus: Symbols and Theme Symbols speak to the reader’s emotions and imagination. They make stories memorable.

The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus: Symbols and Theme In “The Scarlet Ibis,” you’ll notice associations—and similarities—between a character and a bird. • Pay attention to how the author uses the symbolic connection between that character and the bird. • The symbolism can help deepen your understanding of the character.

is its central idea. is not usually stated directly. The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus: Symbols and Theme Writers also reveal their thoughts and feelings about a subject in the work’s theme. The theme

characters plot setting symbols The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus: Symbols and Theme Because themeis not usually stated directly, you should consider all of the work’s elements. Then, make an educated guess about its theme. Theme

The Scarlet IbisLiterary Focus: Symbols and Theme Read the following. What clues can you find that suggest a theme about life renewing itself? The side-by-side descriptions of hands suggests a connection between young and old. Mr. Day held his tiny new grandbaby in his wrinkled hands. Outside the window of his hospital room, the gray of winter was broken by the first flowers of spring peeking up from the ground. Mr. Day stroked the baby’s blanket, the same one in which he’d wrapped his own son thirty years ago. Mr. Day held his tiny new grandson in his wrinkled hands. Outside the window of his hospital room, the gray of winter was broken by the first flowers of spring peeking up from the ground. Mr. Day stroked the baby’s blanket, the same one in which he’d wrapped his own son thirty years ago. Mr. Day held his tiny new grandson in his wrinkled hands. Outside the window of his hospital room, the gray of winter was broken by the first flowers of spring peeking up from the ground. Mr. Day stroked the baby’s blanket, the same one in which he’d wrapped his own son thirty years ago. Mr. Day held his tiny new grandbaby in his wrinkled hands. Outside the window of his hospital room, the gray of winter was broken by the first flowers of spring peeking up from the ground. Mr. Day stroked the baby’s blanket, the same one in which he’d wrapped his own son thirty years ago. The description of the change from winter to spring shows a natural renewal of life. Symbolically, the blanket links the lives of grandfather, son, and grandson in renewal. [End of Section]

The Scarlet Ibis Reading Focus: Analyzing Details As you read, pay attention to the details that the author shares. Details about character, plot, and setting can develop more meaning as you read further.

The Scarlet Ibis Reading Focus: Analyzing Details Listen to this excerpt from “The Scarlet Ibis.” What are some of the details included in the description? What larger meaning might they suggest?

The Scarlet IbisReading Focus: Analyzing Details Into Action: Use a chart to record details and see what larger meanings they might point to. Into Action: Detail Chart Story Details Larger Meanings Summer was dead; autumn not yet born Nature might mirror human experience—birth and death Graveyard flowers are blooming Despite death, life goes on [End of Section]

The Scarlet Ibis Writing Focus: Think as a Reader/Writer Find It in Your Reading Dialogue not only helps move a story along, but also reveals the essence of the story’s characters. “Aw, come on, Doodle,” I urged, “you can do it. Do you want to be different from everybody else when you start school?” “Does it make any difference?” “It certainly does,” I said. “Now, come on,” and I helped him up. As you read, note passages of dialogue that reveal information about characters.

Vocabulary

The Scarlet Ibis Vocabulary imminentadj.: near; about to happen. iridescentadj.: rainbowlike; displaying a shifting range of colors. infallibilityn.: inability to make a mistake. reiteratedv.: repeated. marv.: damage; spoil.

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary The wordimminentoften describes an undesirable event that is about to happen. After being caught unprepared for his part of the group’s presentation, Will knew that disaster was imminent.

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary What imminent event is suggested by the picture above?

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary The photograph suggests that the man faces an imminent fall. He is about to land on the sidewalk.

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary Iridescent describes the rainbowlike shimmer seen on things like oil-slicked puddles and dragonfly wings. What are some other examples of things that appear iridescent?

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary Which of the birds below has iridescentfeathers? peacock eagle cardinal

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary The word infallibility consists of three parts in- prefix meaning not fallible capable of making an error -ity suffix used to show a condition + + Small children are often impressed with the seeming infallibility of adults. They think that adults never make mistakes.

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary Karen prides herself on her perfection. Which of the following is NOT an example of Karen’s infallibility? a. She scored 100% on her math test. b. She received applause for her violin solo. c. She woke up late for work.

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary Karen prides herself on her perfection. Which of the following is NOT an example of Karen’s infallibility? a. She scored 100% on her math test. b. She received applause for her violin solo. c.She woke up late for work.

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary Mr. Evans had just reiterated his policy against using cell phones during class. When he saw Alice sending a text message, he threw his hands up and stared at the ceiling. Why is Mr. Evans frustrated by Alice’s behavior?

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary Mr. Evans is angry because he had just reiterated the rule, yet Alice had broken it. Mr. Evans is getting tired of repeating himself.

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary The word mar suggests that something has caused physicaldamage. Tomato sauce had marred Millie’s white gown. Mar also may suggest a less tangible sort of destruction. That spill forever marred Millie’s memories of her wedding day.

The Scarlet IbisVocabulary Josh was ashamed by his yearbook photo, though there was only a slight blemish to mar his otherwise perfect face. Which of the following is the best substitute for the word mar? a. embellish b. tarnish c. decorate

The End

The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst