The Scarlet Ibis 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?

Answer 1

In the short story "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst, several characters go through rites of passage that shape their identities and mark their transitions from one stage of life to another. The central figure, Doodle, faces the most significant rites of passage, while other characters also experience their own transformative moments.

One of the main rites of passage Doodle encounters is his physical development and his attempts to overcome his disabilities. From the beginning, it is clear that Doodle's physical condition hinders his ability to walk and keep up with his brother, the narrator. However, with the help and encouragement of his brother, Doodle manages to learn how to walk. The narrative mentions that "with his tiny fists clenched, [Doodle took] his first faltering steps" and that "He walked only because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother" (Hurst). These passages demonstrate how Doodle's determination and the pressure to conform to societal norms push him to reach this significant milestone.

Furthermore, Doodle's desire to please his brother leads him to complete another important rite of passage: his ability to run. In an effort to show his brother that he can do all the things a normal child can, Doodle is motivated to learn to run. The text points out that "I began to make him run, to swim, to skip, to climb trees, and to fight" and eventually, "he ran faster than I did" (Hurst). These moments show how Doodle's determination to meet his brother's expectations and gain his approval leads him to achieve feats that were previously unthinkable for him.

Additionally, Doodle also experiences a spiritual and emotional rite of passage towards the end of the story. After the death of the scarlet ibis, a bird that symbolizes both Doodle's unique persona and fragility, he is stunned by the realization that his actions of pushing Doodle beyond his limits were selfish and cruel. As Doodle's lifeless body lies on the ground, the narrator reflects, "They did not know that I did it for myself; that pride, whose slave I was, spoke to me louder than all their voices, and that Doodle walked only because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother" (Hurst). This moment marks a turning point for the narrator, a rite of passage where he acknowledges his own flaws and the consequences of his actions, leading to a deep sense of regret and remorse.

In conclusion, "The Scarlet Ibis" portrays multiple rites of passage that individuals, especially Doodle, confront. Doodle's physical and emotional development, driven by both the desire to fit into society's expectations and the pressure to please his brother, reveals his transformative journey. Through specific details and character traits, the story emphasizes the importance of these rites of passage in forming identities and shaping individuals' relationships with themselves and others.