"The Scarlet Ibis" interpretive essay help.
Directions:
James Hurst, the author, makes the observation that "pride is a wonderful, terrible ting, a seed that bears two vines, life and death." These words are central to the meaning of the story. The phrase is stated as a general truth at the beginning of the story even though the speaker has actually learned this truth later in life. In a multiparagraph essay show how that statement is a vital concept in the story.
I need to explain the two aspects of pride in the story. Which basically is good and evil.
I have trouble explaining this: Where and how do we know that the narrator has experienced the wonderful commodity of pride? (what does that mean?)
When is the converse seen? How is it negative? (What is the converse?)
Considering both aspects of pride, terrible and wonderful, which is stronger in "The Scarlet Ibis"? What creates the strength?
[Is the good pride stronger? And does motivation create the strength?)
Thank you.
In order to explain the two aspects of pride in "The Scarlet Ibis," it is important to understand what the prompt means by "wonderful" and "terrible."
To start, let's take a look at where and how we know that the narrator has experienced the "wonderful commodity of pride." In the story, the narrator feels a sense of pride when he is able to teach his younger brother, Doodle, to walk. This is evident in the way the narrator says, "I began to believe in my own infallibility, and I could see myself shaping Doodle into the image I had so carefully painted in my own mind." Here, the narrator's pride comes from the belief that he can mold and shape his brother into something special, defying all odds. This is where the "wonderful" aspect of pride comes into play.
On the other hand, the "terrible" aspect of pride is seen in the converse of this situation. The negative side of pride is revealed when the narrator pushes Doodle too far in his training, ignoring the fact that his brother is physically weak and may not be able to meet his expectations. The narrator's obsession with teaching Doodle to walk for his own personal satisfaction and pride ultimately leads to a tragic event and Doodle's death. This is when the "terrible" aspect of pride becomes evident.
Now, considering both aspects of pride, it can be argued that the "terrible" aspect is stronger in "The Scarlet Ibis." This is because the consequences of the narrator's prideful actions result in the death of his brother. The strength of the "terrible" aspect of pride is created by the narrator's motivation to prove his own worth and the pressure he puts on Doodle to meet his expectations.
In contrast, the "wonderful" aspect of pride, while initially motivating the narrator to teach Doodle, becomes overshadowed by the negative consequences and the destructive nature of the narrator's actions.
In conclusion, in "The Scarlet Ibis," James Hurst explores the duality of pride, showing how it can be both wonderful and terrible. The story demonstrates the dangers of unchecked pride and the devastating effects it can have on individuals. By analyzing the events and motivations within the story, we can understand the importance of pride as a vital concept and gain insight into its two conflicting aspects.