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The Two Headed Calf By James Hurst: Poem Analysis

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The Two Headed Calf By James Hurst: Poem Analysis
In the “Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst, Brother and Doodle are like the two-headed calf staring at the stars in the poem, “The Two-Headed Calf,” by Mary Gilpin. Although Brother is at time aggravated by Doodle’s neediness and because he is “a burden in so many ways,” (Hurst) the brothers still enjoy their time together and, while growing up, are free to be themselves. The time the brothers spend together at Old Woman Swamp enjoying nature and each other is carefree in the same way the two-headed calf is carefree when enjoying the beautiful night without any fear of persecution. It is only when the looming threat of school draws close, that Brother begins to worry how others may view Doodle and even himself for having a crippled brother. It is

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