The Scarlet Ibis Theme

Words: 365
Pages: 2

The theme statement of “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst would be that if someone isn’t grateful enough for something,they just might be the one to take it away from themselves.

“The Scarlet Ibis” is a story about a boy and his little brother, Doodle, who is disabled, and not exactly like everybody else. The older brother established a strong disliking toward Doodle. He feared that he would be the one ridiculed for having a sibling who was “different”. Having this in mind, he taught Doodle basic human functions, such as walking, just so Doodle would be seen as “normal”. One night, he pushes Doodle past his limit, and he dies, leaving his older brother in a pool of regret and sorrow.

The topic of taking things for granted shows up in