Characters
Who is the narrator of "The Scarlet Ibis"?
The narrator of "The Scarlet Ibis" is Doodle's older brother, whose name is never explicitly mentioned in the story.
What does the scarlet ibis symbolize in "The Scarlet Ibis"?
The scarlet ibis symbolizes fragility, beauty, and the tragic inevitability of death, mirroring the protagonist's disabled brother, Doodle.
"...it fell straight down in parallel paths like ropes hanging from the sky."
Simile
The birds that fly out before the storm at the end of the story?
Crows
What is the setting of "The Scarlet Ibis"?
The story is set in a rural North Carolina during 1918(ish), against the backdrop of a lush, natural landscape.
Why was Doodle given his nickname?
Because he crawled backwards like a doodlebug as an infant / No one expects much from someone named Doodle
What does the bleeding tree represent in "The Scarlet Ibis"?
The bleeding tree symbolizes death, suffering, and the passage of time. Its appearance foreshadows the tragic fate of the scarlet ibis and Doodle.
"I lay there, crying, sheltering my fallen scarlet ibis from the heresy of rain."
Metaphor
How does Doodle get around before he is able to walk?
Pulled by his brother in a cart
When does Doodle show his parents his ability to walk?
6th Birthday
What is the narrator's motive for teaching Doodle to walk?
The narrator's motive for teaching Doodle to walk is to overcome his embarrassment and shame of having a disabled brother, as well as to fulfill his own desire for a "normal" sibling relationship.
What does the storm represent in "The Scarlet Ibis"?
The storm symbolizes the harshness of nature and the inevitability of fate. It serves as a backdrop to the climax of the story, intensifying the sense of impending tragedy.
"Doodle stopped eating, with a piece of bread poised ready for his mouth, his eyes popped round like two blue buttons."
Simile
What is the aunt's name?
Aunt Nicey
What is the main conflict in "The Scarlet Ibis"?
The conflict centers around the protagonist's internal struggle with his pride and desire for a "normal" brother, which ultimately leads to Doodle's tragic death. The resolution comes when the protagonist realizes the consequences of his actions and is left with a profound sense of guilt and remorse.
What is different about Doodle?
He is born with physical disabilities and experiences developmental delays.
What does the coffin represent in "The Scarlet Ibis"?
The coffin symbolizes death and mortality. It is used as a prop in the narrator's "funeral" for Doodle, foreshadowing the tragic outcome of the story.
"They did not know that I did it for myself; that pride, whose slave I was, spoke to me louder than all their voices; and that Doodle walked only because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother."
Metaphor AND personification
What is the square root of 144?
12
What is the name of the swamp the brothers visit?
"Old Woman Swamp"
How does the narrator's treat Doodle throughout the story?
Initially, the narrator is embarrassed by Doodle's disabilities and treats him with impatience and cruelty.
What does the color red symbolize in "The Scarlet Ibis"?
The color red symbolizes passion, love, and the intensity of emotions. It is associated with the scarlet ibis and Doodle's eventual demise, highlighting the theme of love tinged with tragedy.
Hope no longer hid in the dark palmetto thicket but perched like a cardinal in the lacy toothbrush tree..."
Simile AND personification
What color is the ibis?
Scarlet
What is the climax of "The Scarlet Ibis"?
The climax occurs when Doodle collapses and dies in the midst of a violent storm, moments after the narrator abandons him in the woods. This tragic event marks the culmination of the narrator's pride and cruelty, leading to a profound moment of realization and regret.