Name
Period
Date
“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst
Analytical Reading Guide
I. Development
Foreshadowing: Identify at least three (3) examples of foreshadowing in the text. Write the
quote and include the page number.
A.
B.
C.
2.
Setting: Identify the time and place setting of the story.
A. Time:
B. Place:
3.
Conflict: Identify at least one example of each of the following types of conflicts from
the story. Explain the conflict, cite what type of conflict it is, and explain how it is
resolved.
Conflict Type
Description of Conflict
External/
Internal?
Resolution of Conflict
Man v. Self
II. Characterization and Point of View
4.
Who is the protagonist? Explain.
5.
Who is the antagonist? Explain.
6.
From what point of view is the story told? How do you know?
III. Figurative Language
7.
Identify at least two symbols in the story. Note both the object and what it represents.
Object:
Represents:
Object:
Represents:
1
8.
Find one example of a simile. (DO NOT USE ANY EXAMPLES FROM THE FIRST TWO PARAGRAPHS!) Write
the quote and the page number, and explain what is being compared.
9.
Find one example of a metaphor. (DO NOT USE ANY EXAMPLES FROM THE FIRST TWO PARAGRAPHS!)
Write the quote and the page number, and explain what is being compared.
10. Find one example of personification. (DO NOT USE ANY EXAMPLES FROM THE FIRST TWO
PARAGRAPHS!) Write the quote and the page number, and explain what the purpose of the personification
might be here.
IV. Theme
11. Answer the following questions to help you in deciphering the story’s theme.
A. Does the main character change through the course of the story? Does s/he realize something s/he had
not known before?
B. Are any important statements about life or people made in the story – either by the narrator or other
characters?
12. Determine the story’s theme (message about/insight into life).
A. Thematic Concepts/Subjects: 1)
2)
3)
B. Theme Statement:
V. Imagery and Mood
13. What is the overall mood of the story?
List three images/details that help to create the mood of the story.
i.
ii.
iii.
2