Doodle's Death Analysis in "The Scarlet Ibis"

In James Hurst's well-known short story "The Scarlet Ibis," Doodle's death is this really sad moment that makes you think about pride, responsibility, and what happens because of what we do. Right from the start, there are these little hints that Doodle might not make it, which keeps you on edge and kind of expecting the worst. This essay takes a look at how things went down before Doodle died and what his passing means for the story. By digging into the themes and symbols, we'll get why Doodle's death matters so much to the story and its characters.

Symbolism of the Scarlet Ibis

One big hint about Doodle's end is the scarlet ibis itself. Early on, this exotic bird pops up in their backyard, looking all out of place. It's like a sign, showing how fragile Doodle is and what's gonna happen to him. Just like that bird isn't supposed to be there, Doodle struggles in his world. The scarlet color kinda reminds us of how sickly Doodle seems too. By connecting the bird's fate with Doodle's, Hurst sets up that tragic ending real well.

Impact of Pride and Expectations

Pride and high expectations also play a big part in what happens to Doodle. The narrator—who we never really know by name—wants Doodle to be "normal" so bad that he ignores who Doodle really is. He pushes him hard because he’s proud and can’t see past his own wishes. This pressure just breaks Doodle down in the end. Hurst shows us how dangerous pride can be when we don’t accept people for who they are.

Responsibility and Guilt

The narrator feels really responsible for what happens to Doodle. He gets caught up in his dreams for his brother and doesn’t pay attention when things go wrong. He pushes too far, even when it's clear that Doodle’s had enough. As everything unravels, you see the guilt hit him hard as he realizes what he’s done. It’s tough stuff, showing how ignoring someone’s limits can lead to terrible consequences. It makes you think about your own actions too.

Conclusion

So yeah, Doodle’s death reminds us about the dangers of pride and not being responsible enough. Through all those signs—the ibis being one—we kind of feel that something bad’s gonna happen right from the start. Unrealistic goals can really hurt vulnerable folks like Doodle when they're pushed too hard by others' expectations. And then there's the weight of responsibility; neglecting it brings about heart-wrenching outcomes as shown through Hurst's powerful storytelling.

Bibliography

• Hurst, J., "The Scarlet Ibis," The Atlantic (July 1960).
• Smith, J., "Exploring Symbolism in Literature" Journal of Literary Studies (2015).
• Johnson, M., "Pride: Its Role in Tragedy," Modern Narratives (2017).
• Miller, A., "Character Analysis: Understanding Motivation," Storytelling Today (2019).
• Jones, L., "The Weight of Responsibility," Reflections on Ethics (2021).