"The Scarlet Ibis" Comprehension Questions

Front

What mood is established in the beginning of 'The Scarlet Ibis' with words like 'rotting', 'graveyard', 'stained', 'empty', and 'summer was dead'?

Back

Somber

Front

Why does Doodle get his nickname?

Back

Doodle gets his nickname because he crawled backwards like a doodle bug and William Armstrong did not fit his personality.

Front

What is Doodle's main reason for trying to become 'normal'?

Back

To please his brother.

Front

What did Brother force Doodle to do in order to leave the barn loft?

Back

Touch the coffin.

Front

What does the quote, 'Such a name sounds good only on a tombstone' exemplify?

Back

Foreshadowing.

Front

Define 'Foreshadowing'.

Back

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

Front

What is the significance of the title 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

Back

The scarlet ibis symbolizes Doodle's uniqueness and the beauty of individuality.

Front

Explain the concept of 'Internal Conflict' as it relates to 'The Scarlet Ibis'.

Back

Internal conflict refers to the struggle within a character, such as Brother's feelings of pride and guilt regarding Doodle.

Front

What role does nature play in 'The Scarlet Ibis'?

Back

Nature reflects the characters' emotions and foreshadows events, such as the storm representing turmoil.

Front

What does Doodle's physical condition represent in the story?

Back

Doodle's physical condition represents the themes of fragility and the struggle against societal expectations.