In "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst, the narrator blames himself for the death of his younger brother, Doodle, due to pushing him too hard and setting unrealistic expectations. The older brother's guilt stems from his own pride and desire to make Doodle fit in with society, leading to tragic consequences.
Doodle is deeply affected by the death of the scarlet ibis, as it serves as a symbol for his own vulnerability and mortality. He is heartbroken by the bird's death and realizes the fragility of life, leading him to reflect on his relationship with his brother and the inevitability of death. Ultimately, Doodle's response to the scarlet ibis's death parallels his own tragic fate in the story.
The author uses symbolism to foreshadow Doodle's death as shown by Brother's pride, the color red, and the scarlet ibis. You could also use this as a thesis statement on 'The Scarlet Ibis'.
The antagonist in "The Scarlet Ibis" is indirectly portrayed as the harsh realities of nature and the environment rather than a specific character. It is the struggle against these forces that ultimately leads to the tragic outcome of the story.
Brother cannot accept the fact that his brother Doodle has handicaps that will make it impossible for him to run, swim and play with as a companion. Brother's pride and selfishness make acceptance impossible and spur him to teach Doodle how to overcome his disabilities.
Doodle's brother cried at Doodle's death and covered him with his body to protect him from the rain. He cried because he realized that he had pushed Doodle to hard for his (Brother's) own selfish reasons. The irony is that Brother's actions toward Doodle when Doodle died are just like Doodle's reaction toward the scarlet ibis when the scarlet ibis died.
The brother cries when his family congratulates him for his effort because he feels guilty and overwhelmed by the realization that his pride and selfishness led to the death of his younger brother, Doodle (the Scarlet Ibis). He understands the significance of his actions and the tragic outcome, which prompts him to cry in response to their praise.
The death of Doodle is being foreshadowed by the death of the scarlet ibis bird.
It was the brothers fault because the brother left Doodle there alone and also the bbrother new the speed that he was going at was to much for the brothers weak heart , but he continued to run faster.
Doodle dies in "The Scarlet Ibis" due to exhaustion and stress caused by his brother pushing him beyond his physical limitations. Doodle's heart gives out after he pushes himself too hard trying to meet his brother's expectations and keep up with him. His death serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of pride, cruelty, and unrealistic expectations.
Several events foreshadow Doodle's death. Whenever the color red appears, death is foreshadowed because red is the color of blood flowing out of a body. It is a common literary device. In the story, when Doodle is born, his body is red. There is a "bleeding tree" near the house. The scarlet ibis itself foreshadows Doodles' death when it dies and Aunt Nicey comments that nothing good ever came from a red bird dying. Brother sees Doodle under a red bush just before realizing Doodle is dead. Other events are the gathering storm at the end, because the scarlet ibis died after being blown hundreds of miles out of its habitat by a storm. Doodle's brother makes Doodle touch a small coffin that their father had made when it was feared Doodle would die at birth.
In "The Scarlet Ibis," the scarlet ibis symbolizes Doodle's unique nature and fragility. Like the bird, Doodle is out of place in his environment and his vibrant existence is ultimately fleeting and delicate. The presence of the scarlet ibis highlights the beauty and tragedy of Doodle's life.
On the last day the boys spent together in "The Scarlet Ibis," Doodle falls behind in the race to the Old Woman Swamp, and in his desire to push Doodle to be more "normal," the older brother pushes him too hard, which ultimately leads to Doodle's tragic death due to heart failure. The brother is flooded with guilt and regret over his actions towards Doodle.