“The Scarlet Ibis”

Literary Analysis Essay

PROMPT

Write an expository essay analyzing the figurative language, imagery, and symbols used by the author to create the tone or develop the theme of the story.

Thesis SentenceJames Hurst creates a mournful tone by using

figurative language, imagery, and symbolism.

James Hurst creates a sad and depressing tone through his use of similes, images, and symbols.

James Hurst portrays a theme of pride through his use of images, figurative language, and symbols.

Outline

I. Introduction– Quote– Background– Thesis: James Hurst creates a ___________ tone (or theme) by using _______________,

_________________, and ______________.

II.  Body 1 – ______________________ –  –  –  

II.  Body 2 – ______________________–  –  –  

IV.  Body 3 – _______________________–  –  –  

V.  Conclusion– Relate to quote/theme/tone– Author’s purpose

SAMPLE OUTLINEI. Introduction

– Quote– Background– Thesis: James Hurst creates a mournful tone (or mood) by using similes,

imagery, and symbols.

II. Body 1 – Similes OR Figurative Language– “Like an empty cradle” (428) -- Personification (EX)– “Like an old, worn out doll” -- Simile (EX)– “Like a half empty flour sack” -- Metaphor (EX)

III. Body 2 – Imagery– Death imagery “graveyard flowers” (428)– Color imagery “red and shriveled”– Bird imagery “the oriole nest rocked back and forth”

IV. Body 3 – Symbolism– Ibis “the ibis lit in the bleeding tree” (428)– Grindstone – Swamp 

V. Conclusion– Relate to quote/theme/tone– Author’s purpose

Introduction• Grab attention• Provide background• Write thesis– SAMPLE

“Pride is a wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death” (433). Pride is the theme of the story “The Scarlet Ibis.” The story is about two brothers who are different inside and out. The younger brother is very attached to his big brother, but his big brother is embarrassed because his younger brother is different and cannot walk. James Hurst, the author, uses similes, symbols, and imagery to create a sad and depressing tone in the story.

Write your introduction• Grab attention (1-2 sentences)• Provide background (4-6 sentences)• Write thesis (1 sentence)

**Begin with a quote from the story. (PAGE)**Be sure to include the author’s name and the

title of the story in the introduction** When you write the TITLE of the story write it

like this: “The Scarlet Ibis”**When you write the BIRD write it like this: the

scarlet ibis

Body Paragraph - SAMPLE “The Scarlet Ibis” is a sad and depressing story because of the

figurative language used by the author. For example, Hurst uses personification when he states “summer was dead and autumn had not yet been born” (428). By giving the seasons human qualities and characteristics, Hurst forces the reader to feel compassion about the change of seasons. ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ In addition, Hurst uses many similes to interest the reader. He compares Doodle to an “old worn out doll” (430). This comparison explains Doodle’s lifeless body as it falls back on the bed. _____________________________

_______________________________________________________________Furthermore, metaphors are used to create a vivid picture for the reader. One metaphor used by Hurst is that “pride is a seed that bears two vines, life and death” (433). Hurst means that pride can grow inside a person just as a seed grows in the ground. ______________________________ ____________________________________________________________

The figurative language used by James Hurst creates sadness for reader as he pictures Doodle and his helplessness.

Body Paragraph - Format1. Topic sentence2. Example 1 (Quote from story, include pg #)3. Explain4. Elaborate5. Example 2 (Quote from story, include pg #)6. Explain7. Elaborate8. Example 3 (Quote from story, include pg #)9. Explain10.Elaborate11.Concluding sentence

Sample paragraph on similes

“The Scarlet Ibis” is a melancholy story because of the similes used by the author. For example, Hurst writes, “the oriole nest rocked back and forth like an empty cradle” (428). In this simile Hurst compares the nest to a cradle. The nest and the cradle are similar because both are for babies. This prepares the reader for the birth of Doodle and the emptiness the family felt when he died. In addition, Hurst writes, “He collapsed back on the bed like an old, worn-out doll” (430). The simile compares Doodle to a doll. It is a good comparison because Doodle cannot walk or stand. Furthermore, ______________________

Second Body Paragraph

Another device used by Hurst is symbolism. For example, Hurst writes, “The ibis lit in the bleeding tree” (428). Throughout the story, the ibis is symbolic of Doodle. Both struggle to survive but end up falling to their death. Both die awkwardly in a pool of red. Another symbol is ___________________.

Conclusion• Write five to six sentences• Why did the author write this story? Why is it so

sad? What does he want us to remember?• Reflect on the “lesson learned”• Relate the lesson to today, to you, to your peers• Reflect on the quote you used in the introduction• Reflect on your THESIS – Explain the tone or

author’s attitude• What do you want the reader to learn or

remember about “The Scarlet Ibis”?

Peer Edit1. Read the introduction– Is it a good intro?

a. Does the opening quote have quotation marks?b. Highlight the page number after the quote.c. Underline the thesis sentence.

2. Read EACH body paragraph-- a. Underline the topic sentenceb. Highlight the quote and page number in each body

paragraph . (There should be three.) c. Circle the transition word between each quoted. Is there a concluding sentence at the end? If not write

CS.

3. Write a comment about the conclusion… Interesting? Good? Needs work?

Paper Format

1. Change font to Times New Roman2. Change font size to 12 pt.3. Change line spacing to double (2.0)4. Type your heading in left hand corner

Name, Teacher’s name, Subject-Hour, Date due

5. Center and type your title, then press Enter6. Take off center by selecting Align Left and

press tab to indent…then start typing your paper.

Sample Heading

Melinda Moore

Mrs. Moore

English I – 2nd Hour

December 1, 2011

The Power of Pride

“Pride is a seed that bears two vines, life and death” (433). In the short story “The Scarlet Ibis,” there are two brothers who are the protagonists.