"The Scarlet Ibis" is a short story written by novelist James Hurst. It was first published in The Atlantic Monthly in July 1960 and won the "Atlantic First" award. It has been frequently republished in other collections.
Plot
The narrator, who is not named but simply called "Brother", recounts the life of his younger brother, William Armstrong, whom his brother named "Doodle." From then on, he was referred to as Doodle. Doodle is born a sickly child who is not expected to live. His brother wanted someone who could run and jump and play with him but resents having the weak and fragile Doodle instead.
Eventually, at the age of six, Doodle learns to walk with help from Brother. Encouraged by this, the brother decides to teach Doodle how to run, climb vines, swim, and even fight to prepare Doodle for school. However, almost a year after the plan was made, Doodle was far from accomplishing the goals by the nearing deadline. . . continue reading>>
Plot
The narrator, who is not named but simply called "Brother", recounts the life of his younger brother, William Armstrong, whom his brother named "Doodle." From then on, he was referred to as Doodle. Doodle is born a sickly child who is not expected to live. His brother wanted someone who could run and jump and play with him but resents having the weak and fragile Doodle instead.
Eventually, at the age of six, Doodle learns to walk with help from Brother. Encouraged by this, the brother decides to teach Doodle how to run, climb vines, swim, and even fight to prepare Doodle for school. However, almost a year after the plan was made, Doodle was far from accomplishing the goals by the nearing deadline. . . continue reading>>