Red In The Scarlet Ibis, By James Hurst

Short Story Color Essay When you read stories or books, you may notice a particular color shows up whenever a certain type of event occurs. In many stories, the use of the color red is to symbolize or foreshadow events containing dangerous elements or situations. One may not see it at the time, however the color can help a reader predict the outcome of the event. Authors often use this to help the reader understand the ending more clearly. Over the span of this essay, you will see how the colors do this. The reading selection, “The Scarlet Ibis”, written by James Hurst uses the color red as a symbolic color an abundant amount. In the beginning when he was born, “He seemed all head, with a tiny body which was red and shriveled like an old man’s,” (109) This shows symbolization of death in the story. The color red is widely used to symbolize danger. However, it may not suggest physical danger. When he was born, his disabilities did not permit him able to walk. This is the danger the color foreshadowed. …show more content…
When Elena goes over to study with Eugene, “The red swollen face of a woman appeared. She had a halo of red hair floating over... the face of a doll..." (127) This represents the ‘danger’ Elena’s mother warned her about, " 'You are heading for humiliation and pain.' " (126) The red once again represents danger, but this time on a more emotional level rather than a physical level. In the story, there was evidence or foreshadowing to this event. When Eugene’s family moved in, all Elena saw of the family “… just the mother, a red-headed tall woman…” (123). This can show the reader this particular family could be perceived as potentially