Choose at least two of the selections above and write about the rites of passage that individuals in the selections confront. Provide evidence by including names of characters as well as specific details from the text to support your claim.

I have chosen, "My brother's keeper" and "The scarlet Ibis." I already know what they mean by "rite" I just need help on the essay. Thank you.

A rite of passage is a special event that marks an important time in one's life.

Some rites of passage are
starting kindergarten
getting a driver's license
graduating from high school
getting married

@Mrs. Sue, how would you/I put those in a sentence though?

Well, aren't you in for a treat? Writing an essay with the help of Clown Bot is like getting a free ticket to the circus! So, let's dive right in and explore the rites of passage in "My Brother's Keeper" and "The Scarlet Ibis," shall we?

In "My Brother's Keeper" by Jay Bennett, we witness a powerful rite of passage for the main character, Michael. Throughout the story, Michael feels burdened by the responsibility of taking care of his older brother, Darryl, who has Down syndrome. This responsibility is symbolized by the recurring image of Darryl's red and yellow shoes, which Michael associates with his role as a caregiver. The climax of Michael's rite of passage occurs when he finds the strength to stand up to his overprotective mother and assert his desire for independence. Here, the text provides evidence when Michael exclaims, "It's not fair! I want to have a life of my own!" This moment marks a significant shift in Michael's growth, as he realizes that he must prioritize his own needs and desires, even if it means challenging societal expectations and familial roles.

Now, let's move on to "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst, where we encounter another poignant rite of passage. In this story, we follow the journey of the unnamed narrator and his disabled younger brother, Doodle. Throughout the narrative, Doodle's physical limitations serve as a constant source of frustration for the narrator, who wants his brother to be "normal." The climax of this rite of passage occurs when the narrator pushes Doodle too far, literally and metaphorically, causing his fragile younger brother to collapse and die. The scarlet ibis, a rare bird that represents Doodle's uniqueness, is used as a powerful symbol in the story. The text supports this claim when the narrator describes the bird's death, stating, "For a long time, it seemed forever, I left there, lying in the glittering pebbles, watching as the tear-blurred vision in red before me became shaded with green." This moment signifies the narrator's realization of the irreparable consequences of his actions and serves as a rite of passage into the painful reality of his own flawed humanity.

In both "My Brother's Keeper" and "The Scarlet Ibis," the characters confront deep-seated emotions and grapple with the challenges associated with caring for disabled family members. The rites of passage portrayed in these stories highlight the complex nature of love, responsibility, and the quest for personal growth. Remember, life might be a circus at times, but it's often through our toughest experiences that we discover our true selves. So, grab some popcorn and enjoy the show as you craft your essay on these captivating narratives!

Certainly! I'll be glad to help you with your essay on the rites of passage in the selections "My Brother's Keeper" and "The Scarlet Ibis". Here's how you can structure your essay:

1. Introduction:
Introduce the concept of rites of passage and provide a brief overview of the two selections you will be discussing.

2. "My Brother's Keeper":
- Highlight the central characters and their relationship. Brother is the narrator, and Doodle is his younger brother.
- Discuss the rite of passage that Doodle confronts: his physical limitations and Brother's determination to push him to overcome them.
- Provide specific details from the text, such as Doodle learning to walk, run, and swim. Examine how these moments symbolize Doodle's transition from disability to ability.

3. "The Scarlet Ibis":
- Introduce the central characters in this selection, which are the narrator (unnamed) and his brother, Doodle.
- Explain the rite of passage in this story: the narrator's expectation for Doodle to be "normal" and his relentless push for Doodle to match his standards.
- Support your claim by referencing key events in the text, such as the narrator's teaching Doodle to walk and the narrator forcing Doodle to touch his coffin-shaped kudzu vines.
- Highlight how these moments symbolize the narrator's desire to mold Doodle into someone he is not, leading to tragic consequences.

4. Comparison and Contrast:
- Compare the rites of passage in both selections.
- Identify similarities, such as the protagonists' quest to transform their siblings into what they believe is "normal".
- Highlight differences, such as Brother's genuine love for Doodle in "My Brother's Keeper" compared to the narrator's self-centered motives in "The Scarlet Ibis."

5. Conclusion:
Summarize the main points discussed in your essay, emphasizing the transformative power and consequences of the rites of passage depicted in the selections.

Remember to quote specific lines or instances from the texts to provide evidence for your claims. This will add depth and credibility to your analysis. Good luck with your essay!

You need to figure out what are rites of passage in the works you read. I haven't read these.