The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst

Question

1) Describe the setting of the story in four or five sentences

2) Who are the five main characters? Name them, and tell me something about each

3) What do you think the "central idea" of the story is?

4) Why? Give three reasons that support Question #3

5) IF "The Scarlet Ibis" teaches us a lesson, what is it? IF it does not, what is it missing?

Answer 1

1) Describe the setting of the story in four or five sentences

For this question, focus on the time, space, and explain what is unique about the setting; this could include the mood that the setting creates, whether or not it is realistic and anything else that is noteworthy.

2) Who are the five main characters? Name them, and tell me something about each

This question perhaps requires a little note-taking if you aren't able to remember very well.

3) What do you think the "central idea" of the story is?

The central idea is always the most important thing about the topic. The topic is what the story is mostly about and the central idea is the most important thing about that topic.

4) Why? Give three reasons that support Question #3

This question is asking for evidence. You can paraphrase it or use direct quotes. Using a mixture of the two creates a stronger answer because the paraphrase demonstrates you understand the material well, and the direct quote shows you have good attention to detail and know what is essential.

5) IF "The Scarlet Ibis" teaches us a lesson, what is it? IF it does not, what is it missing?

This question is asking for the theme: the life lesson. This is the lesson you would walk away with about life.