The Scarlet Ibis Man and the Natural World Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Suddenly Daddy straightened his shoulders, raised a giant knuckly fist, and with a voice that seemed to rumble out of the earth itself began cursing heaven, hell, the weather, and the Republican party.

This is a lighter moment in the story. The boys react to Daddy's display with giggles, suggesting that within this man that seems so tough, yet so natural, in his surroundings, lies a core of gentleness and kindness.

Quote #5

"Dead birds is bad luck. […] Specially red dead birds." (4.43)

Nicey's comment about the death and decay side of nature marks a turning point in the story. It's the last thing we read before the final tragic scene. Nicey also seems to believe that events in the natural world comment on the lives of the humans who encounter them. What do you think of that?

Quote #6

The rain was coming, roaring through the pines, and then, like a bursting Roman candle, a gum tree ahead of us was shattered by a bolt of lightening. (4.46)

Brother seems to find the more threatening aspects of nature just as exciting as the flowers, plants and waters. The vivid imagery here also creates a tone of urgency and suspense that propels us to the end of the tale.