Throughout literary history, authors have utilized symbolism and figurative meaning to convey the true meaning of their work as a whole. A notable example of this relationship can be found in The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst. Written in 1960, The Scarlet Ibis illustrates the story of two brothers and their tragic relationship. Over the course of the story, Brother teaches Doodle to walk, something that Doodle was never expected to be able to do. However, Brother’s cruelty toward Doodle grows over time, ultimately causing Doodle’s tragic demise. Through the symbolic use of flowers, animals, and weather, Hurst masterfully conveys his universal message that the decay of family bonds leads to cruelty, suffering, and death. “Doodle was my brother,
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At the beginning of The Scarlet Ibis, Doodle and Brother’s happy, innocent relationship is communicated through the bright flowers and calm environments that surround the two brothers. This relationship is further portrayed through Doodle’s own stories, which depict Brother as Doodle’s loving protector. However, as storms warn of danger and suffering to come, and rotting flowers mimic of the rot of Doodle and Brother’s once-happy relationship, Hurst allows the reader to closely follow the deadly decline of Brother and Doodle’s brotherhood. On a larger scale, the reader learns of Hurst’s strong belief that the decay of familial bonds is a vicious danger to the love, community, and safety that families should ideally maintain. This message is central to The Scarlet Ibis, and it has survived the years, holding strong even fifty-five years after its original creation. Conclusively, by developing a strong relationship between symbolism and the meaning of his work as a whole, Hurst allows the reader to learn of his universal philosophy that the decay of family bonds leads to suffering, cruelty, and
At the beginning of The Scarlet Ibis, Doodle and Brother’s happy, innocent relationship is communicated through the bright flowers and calm environments that surround the two brothers. This relationship is further portrayed through Doodle’s own stories, which depict Brother as Doodle’s loving protector. However, as storms warn of danger and suffering to come, and rotting flowers mimic of the rot of Doodle and Brother’s once-happy relationship, Hurst allows the reader to closely follow the deadly decline of Brother and Doodle’s brotherhood. On a larger scale, the reader learns of Hurst’s strong belief that the decay of familial bonds is a vicious danger to the love, community, and safety that families should ideally maintain. This message is central to The Scarlet Ibis, and it has survived the years, holding strong even fifty-five years after its original creation. Conclusively, by developing a strong relationship between symbolism and the meaning of his work as a whole, Hurst allows the reader to learn of his universal philosophy that the decay of family bonds leads to suffering, cruelty, and