The Scarlet Ibis Literary Analysis

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Why do we hurt the ones we love? Is it out of hate, or simply a painful mistake? In the story “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst, one explanation for this question is explored. Hurst takes us through a story of pain, guilt, and beauty to reveal a deeper meaning of human nature. The story takes place in the southern United States around the early 1900’s. The story is told from the perspective of the narrator, who is recalling memories of his younger brother, Doodle. Doodle is six years younger than the narrator, who never gets a name is only known as “brother”. Doodle was born with a severe birth defect, leading doctors to believe that he won’t live for very long. His father, racked with grief, constructs a coffin for his sickly child. His mother
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