1. “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst

2. Red (scarlet) color symbolism
Red can symbolize many things from blood to love to infatuation. 
Basically red symbolizes strong emotions rather than intellectual ideas. 
For example, red can symbolize excitement, energy, speed, strength, danger, passion, and aggression.
Red, the color of blood and fire, represents life and vitality. Red is also looked upon as a sensual color, and can be associated with man's most profound urges and impulses.

3. Physical setting: American South in 1918
Background
The story is set in the American South. Its climax takes place in 1918, the year World War I ended.
You’ll find references to battles being fought far away from its peaceful southern setting.
Why do you suppose the author chose this setting?
Physical setting: American South in 1918
Historical setting: end of WWI

4. Meet the author, James Hurst
Hurst was born on a farm in coastal North Carolina in After studying at North Carolina State College, he served in the army during World War II.
“People always suffer,” Hurst said, “when others try to make them over in their own image.”
United States soldiers fire a machine gun in Belleau Wood, France, in June 1918.

5. Point of view: the narrator’s position in relation to the story being told
First person point of view
Told in flashback: a scene set in time earlier than the main story
What quote shows you the age of the narrator before the flashback?
What is the narrator’s name? Why?

6. Magnolia, ironweed, purple phlox
Clove, “clove of seasons”
Magnolia, ironweed, purple phlox
Grinding stone
Frangipani, “graveyard flower”
Oriole
Palmetto fronds

7. Images, symbols, figurative language
Red flowering gum tree
Red Nightshade

8. Allusion
reference to literature, film, religion (especially the Bible), art, mythology or history

9. Allusions in the story Belleau Woods- WWI battle sites
Hansel and Gretel-“It was too late to turn back, for we had both wandered too far into a net of expectations and had left no crumbs behind.”
“If we produced anything less than the Resurrection, [Aunt Nicey] was going to be disappointed.”