Josephine Bernice M.

Poticano

ENGLISH COMMENTARY

“The Scarlet Ibis” is a short story written by James Hurst. The narrative encapsulates the
protagonist’s struggles between pride and physical disabilities – effortlessly breaking both expectations and
its readers’ hearts. Hurst’s in-depth characterization of the narrator’s relationship with his disabled brother
successfully discusses the tear-jerking theme of brotherhood combined with blinding pride and
unfathomable guilt.

As such, the apparent use of figurative language is a key element to this narrative. “The Scarlet Ibis”
demonstrates the author’s use of symbolisms and foreshadowing to portray and predict Doodle’s passing.
In the first paragraph, Hurst begins by setting a solemn tone. (“Summer was dead, but autumn had not yet
been born when the ibis came to the bleeding tree.”) Hurst uses the terms “dead” and “not yet been born”
to emphasize his crestfallen nature. He redefines the joyful presence of summer as “dead”, and the calming
appearance of autumn as something that never existed. On this premise, these seasons symbolize grief –
when joy is gone and moving on is not in the picture. Additionally, the scarlet ibis symbolizes Doodle, and
the “bleeding tree” foreshadows Doodle’s death in the second to the last paragraph. (“He had been
bleeding… his shirt was stained a brilliant red.”)

Furthermore, first person pronouns are used in this narrative in order to make the mass-produced
story appear more personal when read directly by a reader. The protagonist’s internal confession (“They
didn’t know that I did it just for myself, that Doodle walked only because I was ashamed of having a crippled
brother.”) is an attempt of forming a relationship with the reader as it gives the image of a friend speaking
to its diary rather than a friend speaking to a stranger. This strategy is used to encourage its readers to be
captivated, for it paves way for the thoughts the protagonist only shares with himself.

As such, “The Scarlet Ibis” is terrifyingly beautiful in every aspect. The diction is well thought of,
and the vocabulary can be easily understood. The semantic field related to the flora and fauna creates an
aesthetic aspect as Hurst molds his characters into their own personalities – the protagonist being prideful,
and Doodle being someone who wishes to be normal. It is a profound narrative that adds beauty in the
likes of death. In conclusion, “The Scarlet Ibis” does not only place tears into our eyes but hope into our
hearts as well.