You could say it was blindness

[Rice Paddy]

Hi this is my first post here, but there's this thing that's been bothering me lately. When I read works of literature, even multiple times, I can't seem to find the meanings in them. Things like theme and such, it irritates me to no end. For example, I just read the Scarlet Ibis and, I'm ashamed to admit, I couldn't figure out the theme! Any thoughts? Advice?

[Alakazam]

well, what did you get out of reading it? What do you think about it?

[kelby_lake]

Hi this is my first post here, but there's this thing that's been bothering me lately. When I read works of literature, even multiple times, I can't seem to find the meanings in them. Things like theme and such, it irritates me to no end. For example, I just read the Scarlet Ibis and, I'm ashamed to admit, I couldn't figure out the theme! Any thoughts? Advice?

Well, what moments struck you as being important? Can you also think of any recurring features in the story or repeated scenarios?

[Rice Paddy]

OK back, first of all:

There's a strong sense of loss and death in the first few lines of the story, as shown by the word choices and syntax. Also the author seems to emphasize Doodle's weakness and small stature as well as his oddness. Doodle is also shown to be very dependent on his brother, like when Brother had to drag him everywhere when Doodle didn't know how to walk, or when Doodle dies because Brother leaves him behind in the forest during the storm. Can be further noted when Brother makes Doodle touch his own coffin, and then Brother has to carry Doodle back down because he is too scared. Maybe the theme is that you should be careful how you treat loved ones because they are the easiest for us to hurt?

Connections between Doodle & Ibis:
Both die; Both odd in their surroundings; at death both are covered in red: one by natural coloring, the other by own blood.

Repetitions: The color red, I think red is repeated because of all the death in the story.

Also why is Doodle referred to as Brother's scarlet ibis at the end of the story?

[Babak Movahed]

If you're looking to learn how to read works of literature analytically I would suggest you start with shorter works, like short stories and novellas. With these shorter works you can spend less time just forcing your way through the novel, and more time on analysis. My suggestion would be to read "A Rose for Emily" by Faulkner, its a very rich short story with a multitude of different interpretations, and its only like 8 pages long! Give it a try and tell me how it goes, good luck man!

[arrytus]

For my own part my brain is not always up the task to reading things critically. In fact my perspicacity tends to go through phases, and which over my lifetime I have grown more adept at acknowledging. Some months I love physics, mathematics, Heidegger, foreign languages, and at other times if I try to read one of those books I might not get through 5 pages in a day! So it's really being aware of where your mind is at. When I can't think I try to read literature which I know won't demand much of the reader. If I feel bored with that I might move to poetry in hopes of rekindling some foudroyant passion which enlightens me and sparks the process again.