Question

We have read the short story "The Scarlet Ibis" now we will answer 5 comprehension questions about the story.

Take your time and read each question and answer choice carefully.

You got this!!!

Question at position 1
1

Essay
20 points



Question at position 1
When the narrator teaches Doodle to walk, the narrator believes that:

When the narrator teaches Doodle to walk, the narrator believes that:









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Question at position 2
2

Essay
20 points



Question at position 2
What did Doodle ask his brother to not do during the storm?

What did Doodle ask his brother to not do during the storm?









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Question at position 3
3

Essay
20 points



Question at position 3
When the two brothers race home to beat the storm, what happened to Doodle?

When the two brothers race home to beat the storm, what happened to Doodle?









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Question at position 4
4

Essay
20 points



Question at position 4
What is the author's purpose for writing this short story?

What is the author's purpose for writing this short story?









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Question at position 5
5

Essay
20 points



Question at position 5
What is the theme for "The Scarlet Ibis"?

What is the theme for "The Scarlet Ibis"?









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Answer 1

1) When the narrator teaches Doodle to walk, he believes Doodle can be made "normal" and wants a brother who can keep up with other boys. His motivation is pride and shame — he is embarrassed by having a disabled brother and wants to transform Doodle so he can show him off and no longer feel humiliated.

2) During the storm, Doodle begged his brother not to leave him. He repeatedly pleaded with the narrator to stay by his side and not abandon him.

3) While racing home to beat the storm, Doodle became exhausted and could not keep up. The narrator left him briefly; when he went back he found Doodle collapsed, bleeding (blood at his mouth) and dead, his body twisted and lifeless. The narrator later acknowledges that his pride and pushing Doodle too far led to Doodle’s death.

4) The author's purpose is to show the tragic consequences of pride and selfishness mixed with love — to explore how pride can drive someone to push a vulnerable person beyond their limits, resulting in harm. The story also raises themes of guilt, the fragility of life, and the need for compassionate acceptance of difference.

5) The central theme is the danger and cost of pride: well-meaning pride can become selfish and destructive. Related themes include the fragility of human life, the pain of unrealistic expectations, and the importance of accepting and loving others as they are.