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Summary Of The Scarlet Ibis By James Hurst

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“The Scarlet Ibis” is a short story by James Hurst about a physically disabled child and the guidance of his brother, the narrator. The narrator shows the “knot of cruelty” through the love of his brother. By forcing Doodle to touch his coffin, the narrator indicates to Doodle that he will always be on the brink of death and may never be able to lead a normal life. The narrator is aware that Doodle would be intimidated by this fact, but because of his cruelty, he continues to make him touch the coffin. As predicted, Doodle is indeed afraid and clings on to his brother, repeatedly crying, “Don’t leave me”. Moreover, the narrator’s final act of cruelty results in the death of Doodle. The activities the narrator prepares for Doodle to help

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