Constructing a Compelling Conclusion Paragraph

Prompt Does the narrator of The Scarlet Ibis deserve sympathy at the conclusion of the story?

Thesis Statement Although the narrator makes seemingly reckless decisions in James Hurst's "The Scarlet Ibis,” he ultimately deserves sympathy as evidenced through his willingness to help Doodle throughout the story, his returning to assist Doodle in the storm, and his lingering regret over Doodle’s death.

The narrator of “The Scarlet Ibis” deserves sympathy because he is willing to help Doodle learn and grow throughout the story. When Doodle struggles to physically progress, his brother is the only person who believes in him and his ability to succeed. “It seemed so hopeless from the beginning that it’s a miracle I didn’t give up. But all of us must have something or someone to be proud of, and Doodle had become mine” (Hurst 347). The narrator’s goals and actions demonstrate that he cares for his brother and has a desire to see Doodle succeed in life. He only pushes Doodle because he wants to see his brother develop and be able to enjoy all life has to offer. Based on this dedication to his brother’s well-being and accomplishments, the narrator does deserve sympathy at the end of the short story. By dedicating himself to his brother’s successful development and achievements in life, the narrator of Hurst’s story is clearly deserving of sympathy.

You can think of the progression of ideas in an introduction paragraph as an upside down triangle.

Your ideas should move/develop BROAD SPECIFIC UNIVERSAL  TEXT

You can think of the progression of ideas in a conclusion paragraph as a right-side up triangle.

Your ideas should move/develop SPECIFIC BROAD TEXT UNIVERSAL

An effective conclusion ALSO contains three important components.

Restatement of Thesis (1 sentence) Remind readers of the ARGUMENT you are attempting to prove with your paper. DO NOT simply copy the original sentence from your introduction--reword your main idea! Cut your requirements in half—include stance and prongs.

Example The narrator of Hurst’s iconic short story is deserving of the readers’ sympathies as he is willing to help Doodle throughout the story, he returns to assist Doodle in the storm, and he continues to feel regret after Doodle’s death.

Best Argument Reminder (1-2 sentences) Remind readers of your BEST points. Look to your body paragraphs for your best ideas, accusations, etc. DO NOT simply re-copy these original sentences from your body paragraphs--reword these ideas! This is your LAST CHANCE to wow & persuade your audience!

Example Through his dedication to help Doodle progress physically and grow into a more independent person, Doodle’s brother proves he is a compassionate sibling deserving of sympathy. 

Epiphany Revelation Announcement Inspiration Unveiling Uncovering Discovery Exposure

Epiphany Statement (1-2 sentences) Think BIG PICTURE! Questions to Consider: What lesson(s) should readers be taking away from your paper and its argument? What ideas from your paper can readers apply to their own lives? How / why is this novel relevant / universal?

Example The narrator of “The Scarlet Ibis” is a complex character deserving of the audience’s thorough examination.  As a result of Hurst's text, readers can learn the importance of reflecting on past mistakes and forgiving oneself.   

The narrator of Hurst’s iconic short story is deserving of the readers’ sympathies as he is willing to help Doodle throughout the story, he returns to assist Doodle in the storm, and he continues to feel regret after Doodle’s death. Through his dedication to help Doodle progress physically and grow into a more independent person, Doodle’s brother proves he is a compassionate sibling deserving of sympathy. The narrator of “The Scarlet Ibis” is a complex character deserving of the audience’s thorough examination.  As a result of Hurst's text, readers can learn the importance of reflecting on past mistakes and forgiving oneself.