The Scarlet Ibis James Hurst Alive on the

“The Scarlet Ibis” James Hurst

Alive on the Page In the following exercise, you will examine how James Hurst uses techniques to create the characters in “The Scarlet Ibis. ” Indirect Characterization is achieved via 1. What the character looks like 2. What the character says or thinks 3. What the character does 4. What others say about that character

Indirect Characterization: Character’s Words • Find three quotes spoken by the narrator that indicate his occasional lack of sympathy for his handicapped brother. • What do we know about Doodle’s personality from his statement about the swamp: ” It’s so pretty, ” he said. “So pretty, pretty. ” • What do we learn about Mama’s personality and her relationship with her family? Support your answer with quotes from the story.

Indirect Characterization: Character’s Actions • Although the father’s dialogue is not too revealing, his actions show his character. What do you learn about him in the paragraph that talks about the “blighted” summer of 1918?

Indirect Characterization: Character’s Actions • The different reactions of characters to an incident provide insight. Describe the reactions of the following characters to the appearance and death of the scarlet ibis. – – – The narrator Aunt Nicey The Father Mama Doodle

Direct. Characterizati on: In his description of Old Woman Swamp, the narrator communicates his own physical attributes. What kind of person is he?