The role of 1st person narration in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst is to make the reader oblivious to Doodle’s condition, as well as to keep the reader guessing. Throughout the story, the narrator wishes Doodle would be able to do things with him, and constantly denies that Doodle is unable to complete tasks. Therefore, he continues to push Doodle to succeed. By narrating in first person, it makes the reader feel as if they are the ones pushing Doodle. “It seemed so hopeless that it's a miracle I didn't give up. But all of us must have something to be proud of, and Doodle had become my something.” (Hurst,2000,p.1). In addition to first person narration making the reader want Doodle to succeed, it makes us oblivious to Doodle’s condition.
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Hurst writes “He had been bleeding from the mouth, and his neck and the front of his shirt were stained a brilliant red. "Doodle! Doodle!" I cried, shaking him, but there was no answer but the ropy rain. He lay very awkwardly, with his head thrown far back, making his vermilion 28 neck appear unusually long and slim. His little legs, bent sharply at the knees, had never before seemed so fragile, so thin.” (Hurst,2000,P.6) Considering Doodle has a fragile body, it is a possibility that indeed being overworked by the narrator was what caused his death. However, it is arguable that anything could have killed Doodle, and therefore it is up to the reader to decide. Nonetheless, Hurst uses first person narration to his advantage to keep the reader guessing. Throughout the story, first person narration plays a large role to the story. First person narration makes the reader oblivious to the fact that Doodle is not healthy and fragile, therefore, all the training being done is extremely dangerous for Doodle. First person narration also helps Hurst as he uses it to his advantage by plaguing readers with regard trying to comprehend why Doodle
Hurst writes “He had been bleeding from the mouth, and his neck and the front of his shirt were stained a brilliant red. "Doodle! Doodle!" I cried, shaking him, but there was no answer but the ropy rain. He lay very awkwardly, with his head thrown far back, making his vermilion 28 neck appear unusually long and slim. His little legs, bent sharply at the knees, had never before seemed so fragile, so thin.” (Hurst,2000,P.6) Considering Doodle has a fragile body, it is a possibility that indeed being overworked by the narrator was what caused his death. However, it is arguable that anything could have killed Doodle, and therefore it is up to the reader to decide. Nonetheless, Hurst uses first person narration to his advantage to keep the reader guessing. Throughout the story, first person narration plays a large role to the story. First person narration makes the reader oblivious to the fact that Doodle is not healthy and fragile, therefore, all the training being done is extremely dangerous for Doodle. First person narration also helps Hurst as he uses it to his advantage by plaguing readers with regard trying to comprehend why Doodle