The document provides background context on the author James Hurst and the inspiration for the setting of his short story "The Scarlet Ibis". It explores how the author drew from his childhood home and experience with hurricanes in North Carolina. Several vocabulary words from the story are defined, including careen, serene, blighted, and doggedness. Figurative language devices like simile and metaphor are also explained.

1. The Scarlet Ibis Page 257

2. Focus: Can you imagine what it would feel like to be embarrased by or ashamed of someone you care about? How might it feel to know that a close friend or family member felt embarrassed around you?

3. Background The author, James Hurst, may have drawn inspiration for the setting of “The Scarlet Ibis” from his childhood home in North Carolina. Manly of the lush flowers and plants he describes in the story grew on his farm. As a child, he even gained firsthand knowledge of hurricanes! This taught him about “tenacity” or courage and perseverance — which is one of the things he said this story is all about.

4. Vocabulary careen — v. to tilt or sway while moving, as if out of control; p. 259 “ We’d run with him across the ends of the cotton rows and careen him around the corners on two wheels. ”

5. Vocabulary serene — adj. calm; peaceful; undisturbed; p. 262 “… t he picture he painted was so beautiful and serene that all I could do was whisper Yes, yes. ”

6. Vocabulary blighted — adj. damaged or spoiled; p. 264 “ The summer of 1918 was blighted . In May and Jlune there was no rain and the crops withered, curled up, then died under the thirsty sun. ”

7. Vocabulary doggedness — n. steady persistence; stubbornness; a stick-to-it attitude; p. 264 “ The excitement of our program had now been gone for weeks, but still we kept on with tired doggedness . ”

8. Vocabulary reiterate — v. to say or do again; repeat; p. 265 “ I did,” declared doodle. “ He didn’t,” I said contrarily. “ I certainly did,” Doodle reiterated , scowling at me . ”

9. Vocabulary precariously — adv. Dangerously; insecurely; p. 265 “ On the topmost branch a bird the size of a chicken, with scarlet feathers and long legs, was perched precariously.”

10. Figurative Language Simile — comparison of two things using the words “l i ke ” or “as.” The stars shone like a sprinkle of diamonds. His forehead was hot as a stovetop.

11. Figurative Language Metaphor — applying a word or phrase to something or somebody that’s not meant literally, but to make a comparison. Sam is a real snake in the grass . 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 .

12. As You Read Look for metaphors . Look for similes . Look for the way in which the setting might be considered a character in the story. Look for symbolism — representing an abstract idea with something concrete