Symbolism and Themes in 'The Scarlet Ibis'

Miss Sadiki discusses the literary elements in 'The Scarlet Ibis' by James Hurst, focusing on imagery, mood, tone, metaphor, symbolism, foreshadowing, and illusion. These elements help analyze the story's theme, highlighting the author's intent and the narrative's emotional depth. The video prepares students for a deeper analysis in the next class.

What is the primary purpose of imagery in 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

• To create a sensory experience for the reader

• To provide factual information

• To summarize the plot

• To confuse the reader

Which of the following best describes the mood of 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

• Somber and melancholic

• Excited and adventurous

• Joyful and celebratory

• Angry and vengeful

How does the tone of 'The Scarlet Ibis' change throughout the story?

• It is consistently humorous

• It varies from light-hearted to sorrowful

• It starts sorrowful and becomes joyful

• It remains light-hearted throughout

What does the metaphor 'pride is a seed that bears two Vines, life and death' suggest?

• Pride is always positive

• Pride can have both positive and negative consequences

• Pride only leads to death

• Pride is irrelevant to the story

In the metaphor 'a knot of Cruelty borne by the stream of Love', what does the 'knot of Cruelty' represent?

• The narrator's love for his brother

• A physical object

• The narrator's regret

• The narrator's unintentional harm caused by love

What does Peter the peacock symbolize in 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

• Doodle's dreams and hopes

• The narrator's pride

• The storm

• The casket

What is the significance of the screech owl in the story?

• It is a sign of good luck

• It symbolizes happiness

• It is an omen of death

• It represents freedom

How does the Scarlet Ibis symbolize Doodle?

• Both are strong and resilient

• Both are rare and fragile

• Both are ordinary and common

• Both are symbols of anger

Which event in the story foreshadows Doodle's death?

• The blooming flowers

• The narrator's jokes

• The sunny weather

• The appearance of the rain frog

What is the Biblical allusion to a millstone meant to convey in the story?

• The narrator's indifference

• The narrator's happiness

• The narrator's guilt and desire for punishment

• The narrator's desire for wealth