Name Period Date
“The Scarlet Ibis” by James HurstAnalytical Reading Guide – English I
I. Plot Structure and Development
1. Freytag’s Pyramid:
A. Exposition:
B. Inciting Moment:
C. Rising Action:
D. Climax:
E. Falling Action:
F. Resolution:
G. Denouement:
2. Foreshadowing: Identify 2 examples of foreshadowing in the text. Write the quote and include the page number.
3. Setting: Identify the time and place setting of the story.
A. Time:
B. Place:
4. Conflict: Identify at least one example of each of the following types of conflicts from the story. Explain the conflict, cite what type of conflict it is, and explain how it is resolved.
Conflict Type / Description of Conflict / External/Internal? / Resolution of Conflict
Man v. Man
Man v. Nature
Man v. Self
II. Characterization and Point of View
5. Who is the protagonist? Explain.
6. Who is the antagonist? Explain.
7. Is the narrator static or dynamic? Flat or round? Explain.
8. Is Doodle static or dynamic? Flat or round? Explain.
III. Irony
9. Provide at least two (2) examples of irony from the text. Identify the type of irony, and then explain how it is ironic.
IV. Figurative Language
10. How is the scarlet ibis a symbol for Doodle? Explain.
11. Identify at least two other symbols in the story. Note both the object and what it represents.
Object: Represents:
Object: Represents:
12. Find one example of a simile. Write the quote and the page number, and explain what is being compared.
13. Find one example of a metaphor. Write the quote and the page number, and explain what is being compared.
14. Find one example of personification. Write the quote and the page number, and explain what the purpose of the personification might be here.
V. Theme
15. Answer the following questions to help you in deciphering the story’s theme.
A. Does the main character change through the course of the story? Does s/he realize something s/he had not known before?
B. Are any important statements about life or people made in the story – either by the narrator or other characters?
16. Determine the story’s theme (message about/insight into life).
A. Thematic Concept/Subject:
B. Theme Statement:
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