The Scarlet Ibis

293 Words2 Pages
The short story “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst, is about a boy named Doodle who was born with a weak heart so every one thinks he is going to die, but he survives. When Doodle was almost 5 he could only crawl so Brother had to carry him around in a go-cart. Brother was tired of pulling Doodle around so he tries to teach him how to walk. When Doodle finally started walking Brother was very happy that he got doodle to walk, but then he realized even though he did a nice thing it was only because he didn’t want to be embarrassed by his brother. That is when Brother realizes pride is a seed that bears two vines life and death. The life aspect of pride is good for example when Brother tells Doodle “’Well, if you don’t keep trying you’ll never learn’. Then I paint for him a picture of use as old men, White-haired, him with long white beard and me still pulling him around in a go cart. This never failed to make him try again.” This shows Brother is trying to help Doodle by letting him decide if he wants to give up or try again. At this point I think Brother is trying to be a good brother. The death aspect of pride is bad for example “…and that Doodle walked only because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother.” This shows that Brother is acting selfish. At this point Brother seems selfish. This idea still exists in the world today. For example of the life aspect is giving someone money after being asked. For example of the death aspect of pride is giving someone money to make someone else

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