Question

Read the excerpt from “The Scarlet Ibis.”

I thought myself pretty smart at many things, like holding my breath, running, jumping, or climbing the vines in Old Woman Swamp, and I wanted more than anything else someone to race to Horsehead Landing, someone to box with, and someone to perch with in the top fork of the great pine behind the barn, where across the fields and swamps you could see the sea. I wanted a brother.

What does the imagery in this excerpt best show about the narrator?

He is talented and wants someone to compete with.
He is intelligent and wants someone to study with.
He enjoys nature and wants someone to share it with.
He enjoys sightseeing and wants someone to travel with.

Answer 1

He enjoys nature and wants someone to share it with.

The vivid images of Old Woman Swamp, climbing vines, and perching in the great pine emphasize the narrator’s love of the outdoors and his wish for a companion to experience those natural places with him.