Is there flashback in The Scarlet Ibis?

Answer 1

In the opening of the story, the narrator says: "It's strange that all this is still so clear to me, now that summer has long since fled and time has had its way. A grindstone stands where the bleeding tree stood, just outside the kitchen door, and now if an oriole sings in the elm, its song seems to die up in the leaves, a silvery dust."

This means that the story he is about to tell occurred long ago after time has had its way. It also indicates that at one time there had been a "bleeding tree" that had stood near the door, but is obviously no longer there anymore, because a grindstone is now there.

Another quote is a bit farther along. It is: "But sometimes (like right now), as I sit in the cool, green-draped parlor, the grindstone begins to turn, and time with all its changes is ground away-and I remember Doodle."

Here, the narrator again mentions the grindstone that replaced the tree and again mentions the passing of time. This is where he says "...and I remember Doodle." Obviously, Doodle has died by the time the narrator is speaking at this time.

Answer 2

Yes, there is a flashback in "The Scarlet Ibis" where the narrator recalls events from his childhood related to his relationship with his disabled brother, Doodle, and the tragic consequences that followed.

Answer 3

Yes. The story is told by the brother of Doodle many years after the actual events in the story.

Answer 4

The whole story is a flashback, staring at the beginning when Doodle's older brother is remembering Doodle and what he accomplished with Doodle.