"The Scarlet Ibis", is a heart-rending story about a child born with a serious medical condition who overcomes some of his challenges only to be run to death by his well-meaning but self-absorbed older brother. imagery can be used in short stories to make us realize the deeper meaning of a character and the plot itself. In James Hurst "The Scarlet Ibis" he uses the technique of imagery to create sadness and sympathy in the reader. Hurst uses mainly red imagery in the scarlet ibis to almost foreshadow doodles fate. In this short story James Hurst uses a pattern of red imagery which suggests the thought that doodle is the scarlet ibis and that we all are scarlet ibis's.
Brothers descriptions of doodle present a a character that is shriveled, red, and useless. " He seemed all head, with a tiny body which was red and shriveled like an old man's. "(p.1) This image creates sympathy for doodle because he seems so fragile and weak. In modern culture younger siblings are usually considered weaker because we see the older sibling as a "protector" and "guider" to the younger one. " Oh, you can walk," I said, and I took him by the arms and stood him up. He collapsed onto the grass like a half-empty flour sack. It was as if he had no bones in his little legs." (P.5) Doodle is symbolized as a scarlet ibis because a scarlet ibis is beautiful, delicate, and needs a guide which is what a younger sibling is. "Even death did not mar its grace, for it lay on the earth like a broken vase of red flowers, and we stood around it." (P.9) When the author says " for it lay on the earth like a broken vase of red flowers" that means that even though the bird it dead it is still beautiful. This foreshadows Doodles death because he was broken but still delicate and beautiful. Knowing this the reader can identify that doodle is the scarlet ibis. In "The Scarlet Ibis" at the beginning of the story the author uses red imagery right away. "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." (P.1) This line foreshadows to what will happen later because it uses the red imagery of the bleeding tree which is what happens to sick peach trees the sap turns red. So this shows that something so sweet and beautiful can become sick and die. The color red is a significant image in the story because it connects blood, the ibis, and Doodle (his blood upon his death). When the scarlet ibis falls to the ground and dies, Daddy reads from the bird book that it is native to Florida and South America. Like Doodle, the ibis has trouble adapting to its environment. When the ibis dies, Aunt Nicey notes that dead birds are bad luck, "'specially red dead birds." The dead bird died because it was out of its element: like Doodle. The image of the ibis is a parallel for Doodle. In "the Scarlet Ibis" why does the author use red imagery. The color red symbolizes strength and power but why would we consider doodle to have strength and power. Don't we consider him as a weak person from what brother says. I think that one of the messages that the author is sending to the reader by using red imagery is that even though some people might look weak there not everyone can be strong. Also I believe the author uses red imagery because of blood. This is because of the quote "There is within me...a knot of cruelty borne by the stream of love, much as our blood sometimes bears the seed of our destruction.” I think this quote really stands out because it's saying that our blood which may be our family is the seed of our destruction. Using red imagery in the beginning foreshadows the end which is Probably death In conclusion The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst uses many different techniques including imagery to make the reader feel for the characters. The scarlet ibis symbolizes doodle be uses they are both beautiful and weak. In the story Hurst makes us question whether Doodle is actually weak or strong. I believe that Doodle and the scarlet ibis are both strong they just let there fear eat them up. Witch brings up the point again that we are all scarlet ibis's. Inside all of us somewhere have strength but we sometimes let fear takeover and we just shut down and in there cases die. Doodle is a good brother though because he was Probably sick for a while if he died with blood out of his mouth, but he didn't want to tell brother or anyone because they knew it made them happy for him to succeed. So for the red imagery maybe his uses some of it to describe family and how we will do anything for our loved ones. Overall doodle is not weak but a strong human being. |
literary analysis Scalret Ibis |
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Literary analysis the theme of prejudice
Thayer Loomis
Mrs.Gunter
ELA 8
Feb 19 2015
What we think
Discuss the theme of prejudice, using a piece of literature that you have read? In Shirley Jacksons "The Possibility of Evil" the sun is always shining, and everything in Miss Strangeworth’s little world is lovely and bright. Everyone knows each other like they should in a small town, but what could be the consequences of that? The story takes place in a quaint town where everything is lovely and everyone considers Miss Strangeworth to be the queen of the town. The theme of prejudice is foreshadowed through the character of Miss Strangeworth.
In a Possibility of evil the theme of prejudice is foreshadowed throughout the whole story. Miss Strangeworth is very self obsessed with herself. Evidence of this would be " When she came into the grocery, half a dozen people turned away from the shelves and counters to wave at her or call out good morning. This shows that Miss Strangeworth is very self obsessed with herself and other people have to be nice to her. This shows the theme of prejudice because she is elf obsessed so she makes up things about other people to make them want to be more like her. Prejudice is making false accusation and disliking someone but why does Miss Strangeworth want everyone to be like her? I believe that Miss Strangeworth wants everyone to be better and like her because she believes she is a queen. I believe that the theme of prejudice is an eye opener story for readers. This is because it makes us realize that prejudice is happening all around us. Even we do It in our own life. The reason I chose to do "the Possibilty of evil" is because it shows what a two faced person is. Miss Strangeworth says hi and cares about these people's health but then sends them nasty letters saying oh your child has something wrong with it. Overall I believe that this stories theme gives us a closer look into our own lives.
Mrs.Gunter
ELA 8
Feb 19 2015
What we think
Discuss the theme of prejudice, using a piece of literature that you have read? In Shirley Jacksons "The Possibility of Evil" the sun is always shining, and everything in Miss Strangeworth’s little world is lovely and bright. Everyone knows each other like they should in a small town, but what could be the consequences of that? The story takes place in a quaint town where everything is lovely and everyone considers Miss Strangeworth to be the queen of the town. The theme of prejudice is foreshadowed through the character of Miss Strangeworth.
In a Possibility of evil the theme of prejudice is foreshadowed throughout the whole story. Miss Strangeworth is very self obsessed with herself. Evidence of this would be " When she came into the grocery, half a dozen people turned away from the shelves and counters to wave at her or call out good morning. This shows that Miss Strangeworth is very self obsessed with herself and other people have to be nice to her. This shows the theme of prejudice because she is elf obsessed so she makes up things about other people to make them want to be more like her. Prejudice is making false accusation and disliking someone but why does Miss Strangeworth want everyone to be like her? I believe that Miss Strangeworth wants everyone to be better and like her because she believes she is a queen. I believe that the theme of prejudice is an eye opener story for readers. This is because it makes us realize that prejudice is happening all around us. Even we do It in our own life. The reason I chose to do "the Possibilty of evil" is because it shows what a two faced person is. Miss Strangeworth says hi and cares about these people's health but then sends them nasty letters saying oh your child has something wrong with it. Overall I believe that this stories theme gives us a closer look into our own lives.
stay poem 2/19
Stay
The yellow case slips off.
Surface shiny and scratched
A diamond in the rough
Like her.
It spins around and around,
The music emits its wonder.
Then A face appears,
Old and soft
Your real I whisper.
She speaks through the music.
Every high note
And low note
Make Tears travel down my face.
Then It stops,
No more.
Reality hits me.
She's gone.
The yellow case slips off.
Surface shiny and scratched
A diamond in the rough
Like her.
It spins around and around,
The music emits its wonder.
Then A face appears,
Old and soft
Your real I whisper.
She speaks through the music.
Every high note
And low note
Make Tears travel down my face.
Then It stops,
No more.
Reality hits me.
She's gone.
Letter from Tom to Helen
12 January 2015
Dear, Helen
Everyone gathered for this um occasion and I felt nervous. I know I did not commit the crime as you but them white folks can be so vicious. Outside I saw there were wagons parked under every tree and every hitching post was taken. Everyone seemed at peace havin there picnics, if only I could've felt like that. It's was about 90 out here and I was sweating pools. Afta everyone finished there picnics everyone swarmed around the entrance of the courthouse. I saw all of em white folks walk in. They were like a peaceful yet determined herd of white women, chillun, and men. Then lata I got a glimpse of our friends walking in before they took me to the courthouse. The courthouse t'was packed. Every seat and balcony was filled. The smell of sweat filled the air it was toxic. It had to be about 95 in there which helped me out so I didn't look like I was nervous. The judge was chewing on a cigar I wonda if that helps with nerves. In the minutes afta that the trial began, first Heck Tate came to the witness stand. Then Bob Ewell and after that Mayella. I feel bad fo that girl because how her fatha treats her. He makes her stay at home to be the mom and clean the house. She is so lonely Helen so lonely. Still though it is so very wrong to make up this story. Honey I hope you and the chillun are doing swell. I feel awful to leave you and the chillun in this situation but Mr.Finch is doin the best he can. So ima hoping for a miracle in this trial. Make sure to tell Reverend Skye's a thank you from me. I will write soon.
Tom
Dear, Helen
Everyone gathered for this um occasion and I felt nervous. I know I did not commit the crime as you but them white folks can be so vicious. Outside I saw there were wagons parked under every tree and every hitching post was taken. Everyone seemed at peace havin there picnics, if only I could've felt like that. It's was about 90 out here and I was sweating pools. Afta everyone finished there picnics everyone swarmed around the entrance of the courthouse. I saw all of em white folks walk in. They were like a peaceful yet determined herd of white women, chillun, and men. Then lata I got a glimpse of our friends walking in before they took me to the courthouse. The courthouse t'was packed. Every seat and balcony was filled. The smell of sweat filled the air it was toxic. It had to be about 95 in there which helped me out so I didn't look like I was nervous. The judge was chewing on a cigar I wonda if that helps with nerves. In the minutes afta that the trial began, first Heck Tate came to the witness stand. Then Bob Ewell and after that Mayella. I feel bad fo that girl because how her fatha treats her. He makes her stay at home to be the mom and clean the house. She is so lonely Helen so lonely. Still though it is so very wrong to make up this story. Honey I hope you and the chillun are doing swell. I feel awful to leave you and the chillun in this situation but Mr.Finch is doin the best he can. So ima hoping for a miracle in this trial. Make sure to tell Reverend Skye's a thank you from me. I will write soon.
Tom
Thayer Loomis
21 January 2015
Instant Karma
"Shut up!" I screamed at my dad. "Don't talk to me like that young lady," he said in an agitated voice. I didn't get enough sleep the night before, and my dad was not making my mood any better. So as usual when I'm tired I lost my temper. "Get in the car!" he yelled.
As I slung my backpack over my shoulder, I murmured the things that I wanted to say to him but I knew shouldn't. I quietly laid my head down on the tough leather armrest that was my oasis. Julia placed her head against the window and quietly sang the lyrics to what ever song popped into her head. The thought of saying sorry bounced around in my mind but still, the words did not leave my lips. It was silent for about minute and before I said a quiet, "I'm sorry dad" because my conscience was giving me a headache. At the red light, he turned around and a sweet smile spread across his face. "Thayer, thank you for your apology but don't talk to me like that ever again." He sounded annoyed but sincere. For the next couple of minutes, all of us were quiet because we were all tired of fighting, and quite frankly of talking in general.
Once we turned into the St. John Eudes parking lot there was a flood of cars ahead of us. Creeping along the path I could hear the loud chatter of children and teachers in the courtyard. I unzipped my backpack and did my mental checklist. iPad. Check. Math folder. Check. Student council folder. Check. Science book. Check. Then I halfway zipped up my Hawaiian flower printed backpack and held the rest of the fabric between my forefinger and my thumb. Rubbing the cheap fabric between my fingers, I looked out the window and saw a teacher softly pulling open for me like a chauffeur would do and the black concrete beneath me was my red carpet.
As I stepped out of my chariot like the queen of the world my day fell apart. Pencils and pens rolling down the bumpy concrete like water rushing down a river. My ipad fell to its death and cracked upon the impact of the hard surface that was the death sentence for all my school supplies. I ran to the steel silver bench and plopped myself onto it. The chilled surface froze my legs and I watched my textbook being run over. I turned my head back to see if the whole school was watching me. Well only the upper school was there. Faces were pink and I knew they were embarrassed for me.
Stupid I thought to myself. How I could not expect karma after what I said to my dad. The universe turned on me right in front of the whole school. Then the morning bell rang.
"Oh no" I said under my breath.
It's Monday and I have assembly today in front of the whole school. Sprinting to the bathroom I ran in, fixed my hair, washed my face, and ran back out only to see they've started. I stood outside of the bathroom frozen. Squinting my eyes against the scorching sun, I could see my student council binder was also a victim of this assault. My friend vigorously nudged me in the shoulder and I had no choice but to quietly walk into the group and await the most, embarrassing moment of my life. The microphone came to me and I stared at each students peering eyes. I felt like fainting. Once I finally built up enough courage in my tired body I the spit out the words "I forgot my binder." I zoned out for the rest of the assembly to embarrassed to face the fact of what just happened. Before I knew it, assembly was over. Tired of the events of the morning, I sluggishly dragged my art portfolio stuffed with school supplies to my classroom and became nervous for the other surprises that the day would hold. To be clear, never say "shut up dad," before school because you may never know what can happen.
21 January 2015
Instant Karma
"Shut up!" I screamed at my dad. "Don't talk to me like that young lady," he said in an agitated voice. I didn't get enough sleep the night before, and my dad was not making my mood any better. So as usual when I'm tired I lost my temper. "Get in the car!" he yelled.
As I slung my backpack over my shoulder, I murmured the things that I wanted to say to him but I knew shouldn't. I quietly laid my head down on the tough leather armrest that was my oasis. Julia placed her head against the window and quietly sang the lyrics to what ever song popped into her head. The thought of saying sorry bounced around in my mind but still, the words did not leave my lips. It was silent for about minute and before I said a quiet, "I'm sorry dad" because my conscience was giving me a headache. At the red light, he turned around and a sweet smile spread across his face. "Thayer, thank you for your apology but don't talk to me like that ever again." He sounded annoyed but sincere. For the next couple of minutes, all of us were quiet because we were all tired of fighting, and quite frankly of talking in general.
Once we turned into the St. John Eudes parking lot there was a flood of cars ahead of us. Creeping along the path I could hear the loud chatter of children and teachers in the courtyard. I unzipped my backpack and did my mental checklist. iPad. Check. Math folder. Check. Student council folder. Check. Science book. Check. Then I halfway zipped up my Hawaiian flower printed backpack and held the rest of the fabric between my forefinger and my thumb. Rubbing the cheap fabric between my fingers, I looked out the window and saw a teacher softly pulling open for me like a chauffeur would do and the black concrete beneath me was my red carpet.
As I stepped out of my chariot like the queen of the world my day fell apart. Pencils and pens rolling down the bumpy concrete like water rushing down a river. My ipad fell to its death and cracked upon the impact of the hard surface that was the death sentence for all my school supplies. I ran to the steel silver bench and plopped myself onto it. The chilled surface froze my legs and I watched my textbook being run over. I turned my head back to see if the whole school was watching me. Well only the upper school was there. Faces were pink and I knew they were embarrassed for me.
Stupid I thought to myself. How I could not expect karma after what I said to my dad. The universe turned on me right in front of the whole school. Then the morning bell rang.
"Oh no" I said under my breath.
It's Monday and I have assembly today in front of the whole school. Sprinting to the bathroom I ran in, fixed my hair, washed my face, and ran back out only to see they've started. I stood outside of the bathroom frozen. Squinting my eyes against the scorching sun, I could see my student council binder was also a victim of this assault. My friend vigorously nudged me in the shoulder and I had no choice but to quietly walk into the group and await the most, embarrassing moment of my life. The microphone came to me and I stared at each students peering eyes. I felt like fainting. Once I finally built up enough courage in my tired body I the spit out the words "I forgot my binder." I zoned out for the rest of the assembly to embarrassed to face the fact of what just happened. Before I knew it, assembly was over. Tired of the events of the morning, I sluggishly dragged my art portfolio stuffed with school supplies to my classroom and became nervous for the other surprises that the day would hold. To be clear, never say "shut up dad," before school because you may never know what can happen.
Thayer Loomis
Mrs.Gunter
ELA8
9 January 2015
The Green Carpet Stairs
I fumbled the key to my house my hands shaking. Then I heard the click of the lock and staggered into the house each step bringing me closer to the ground. I leaned over trying to stretch my sore muscles. As I was was hunched over like a troll I could hear the faint sounds of my bones popping and cracking like rice crispy cereal. Once I stood up straight again and caught my balance I shuffled my feet across the dark rich Mahogany floors. The sound of the shuffling reminded me of . Those sounds creeped into my ears and bounced around in my head for what felt like hours. Slowly my feet turned towards the dark green carpet stairs but my eyes looked away hoping to find an elevator somewhere. With no luck I thought maybe I should just lay on the cool tile floors in the kitchen to sooth my sore back muscles. The pain from the backpack was unbearable and I could not conjure up enough sweet memories of my soft bed from the night before to have the motivation to trudge up the steep stairs with it on me. So instead I dragged my navy blue backpack up the soft carpet stairs. My arm felt like a rubber band being stretched to far and soon I knew it would break. When I reached the first landing I could feel my eyelids closing and I imagined the stair above me as a soft fuzzy pillow waiting for me to lay my head down on. Wait my puppy pooped on that I set my backpack carefully against the wall. Then I let my body gracefully lower to the ground and pulled my red sweatshirt out of my back pack. Carefully I placed the sweatshirt across one of the green carpet stairs. I let out a quiet yawn and let myself fall into a deep sweet slumber on the green carpet stairs.
Mrs.Gunter
ELA8
9 January 2015
The Green Carpet Stairs
I fumbled the key to my house my hands shaking. Then I heard the click of the lock and staggered into the house each step bringing me closer to the ground. I leaned over trying to stretch my sore muscles. As I was was hunched over like a troll I could hear the faint sounds of my bones popping and cracking like rice crispy cereal. Once I stood up straight again and caught my balance I shuffled my feet across the dark rich Mahogany floors. The sound of the shuffling reminded me of . Those sounds creeped into my ears and bounced around in my head for what felt like hours. Slowly my feet turned towards the dark green carpet stairs but my eyes looked away hoping to find an elevator somewhere. With no luck I thought maybe I should just lay on the cool tile floors in the kitchen to sooth my sore back muscles. The pain from the backpack was unbearable and I could not conjure up enough sweet memories of my soft bed from the night before to have the motivation to trudge up the steep stairs with it on me. So instead I dragged my navy blue backpack up the soft carpet stairs. My arm felt like a rubber band being stretched to far and soon I knew it would break. When I reached the first landing I could feel my eyelids closing and I imagined the stair above me as a soft fuzzy pillow waiting for me to lay my head down on. Wait my puppy pooped on that I set my backpack carefully against the wall. Then I let my body gracefully lower to the ground and pulled my red sweatshirt out of my back pack. Carefully I placed the sweatshirt across one of the green carpet stairs. I let out a quiet yawn and let myself fall into a deep sweet slumber on the green carpet stairs.
Thayer Loomis
Mrs.Gunter
ELA 8
23 October 2014
Eyes of the Audience
I walk up to to the podium. All eyes stare at me. Slowly I turn to see if my parents are there. No. The color of my face turns red. A tear slowly drips down my face. I didn't know that reading at church was this hard. Green, brown, and blue they all stare waiting for a word to leave my lips into the microphone. Thick and thin brows curve up in curiosity wondering when I will speak. Soon words spill from my lips like water from a faucet. All at once. No pause or emphasis on any word, just plain and fast. All eyes look down in disappointment, like my reading has left their ears not wanting more. I soon leave the podium. Once my foot touches the steps, I slip backwards. Eyes look around waiting for someone to laugh or come to my rescue. Later I sit down in my chair flushed with a cherry pink color on my face. Eyes can be cruel.
Mrs.Gunter
ELA 8
23 October 2014
Eyes of the Audience
I walk up to to the podium. All eyes stare at me. Slowly I turn to see if my parents are there. No. The color of my face turns red. A tear slowly drips down my face. I didn't know that reading at church was this hard. Green, brown, and blue they all stare waiting for a word to leave my lips into the microphone. Thick and thin brows curve up in curiosity wondering when I will speak. Soon words spill from my lips like water from a faucet. All at once. No pause or emphasis on any word, just plain and fast. All eyes look down in disappointment, like my reading has left their ears not wanting more. I soon leave the podium. Once my foot touches the steps, I slip backwards. Eyes look around waiting for someone to laugh or come to my rescue. Later I sit down in my chair flushed with a cherry pink color on my face. Eyes can be cruel.
Thayer Loomis
Mrs.Gunter
ELA 8
30 November 2014
My Name
In English my name means Of the Nations Army. It is also a boys name. The people on www.babycenter.com make my name seem like it only belongs to a rough and ruthless solider from Germany. Though My name reminds me of a small meadow after a rain storm. The flowers and greenery shine brightly and you can smell the freshness all around you. Like all your problems were washed away and you have a clean slate that's what comes to mind when I think of my name.
It was one of my moms friends names when she was little. My mother told me she always knew she would name her child that. She told me that her friend is a sweet woman and is a very strong woman. She lost her mother when she was 17.
I've talked to her once over the phone and can only remember her soft soothing voice.
When i was born I had bright orange hair like the candy orange of a lollipop. My mother claims that this was not the reason I was named Thayer but I know it was. I am the youngest of two in my family. While we would play Candy Land my twin sister Julia would say it is unfair because I was only born 90 seconds later but that still counts in my book. Being the youngest has many privileges.
My name gives me a headache. I am a very sociable person but it's hard when people ask my name. First I'll freeze and smoothly i will try to say my name in the most understandable way possibly. It sounds like I haves a lisp when I do that. So on occasions I give up and just say Elizabeth because thats my middle name. I moved to a new school in the 5th grade and in the beginning of the second week of the year we had a state test. So these test's already had your named typed on it and just to make my day better they put Thonyer Doomis. Luckily before I could get embarrassed the person who was sitting next to me made a joke out a it and everyone just started laughing. I was Thonyer for the next 8 months. Fun. I've gotten used to people getting my name wrong, actually I kind of expect it.People have mistaken me for Claire, Sara, T haiyer, and Thonyer. But I will always be Thayer.