Comparison and Contrast between “The Scarlet Ibis” and “the End of the Part”

Comparison and Contrast between “The Scarlet Ibis” and “the End of the Part”

Introduction

The genre of horror or suspense is often not given the importance and attention it deserves. This is simply because of the fact that many believe that the genre of horror and suspense cannot reflect the formal daily routine feelings, emotions, happenings and events of humans, which is in fact the basic rationale of literature writings. However, the authors and writers in different eras have produced several masterpieces in the genre of horror and suspense in a distinct way. Two of such masterpieces include James Hurst and Graham Greene. Commonly known as "The Scarlet Ibis", the short story was written by James Hurst and also won the award called "Atlantic First”. On the other hand, is the short story called “The End of the Party” written by Graham Greene and it has been reprinted in anthologies many times

Discussion

Although published in different eras and written by different authors, both the stories are regarded as one of the most famous, interesting and unique short stories of their times. However, with the help of different approach and characters, the stories reflect the feelings and emotions of the weak and fragile in the society who are more vulnerable as compared to others as a result of their mental weaknesses. In addition, with different approaches and methodologies, the two stories also define the roles, responsibilities and the reaction of the siblings of the fragile individuals towards their condition.

Use of Images or Symbols

Both the stories aim to identify and reflect the possible scenarios that may take place as a result of having an individual in the family with certain conditions. However, various symbols and images are used in both the short stories. For example, “The Scarlet Ibis” with no doubts can be considered as a short story that is very rich in symbolism. In fact, the readers of the story will observe that the author uses these symbols as an essential element in developing the story. The main and fundamental symbol for this story is the Scarlet Ibis. One of the two leading characters in the story known by the name Doodle to be very weak and fragile.

The story at one stage discusses a scene when an ibis, scarlet in color, dies of the harsh and brutal storm. James has used this scene and the ibis to symbolize the leading characters and the situation they face. The red color red ibis symbolizes "Doodle" as who is as fragile yet as majestic as the ibis described the scene. In addition, the readers will observe that the older brother is symbolized by the harsh storm as he pushed Doodle and treated him roughly just like the storm with the ibis. The author, through several scenes, has shown that his older brother is not pleased with the weaknesses of Doodle. The story further explains of how the big brother out of love ...