In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses symbolism and personification to show that trying to conform to society can have a negative consequence. In my opinion, the narrator is to blame for Doodle’s death. James Hurst used personification to show how Doodle’s death was caused by his brother forcing him to adapt to society’s definition of normal. James also uses the Scarlet Ibis as a symbol for Doodle because they were both out of place and unaccepted. Not everyone can live up to society's expectation of normal. For example, Doodle was far from how his brother and family was. Since the narrator longed for a brother who he could run, wrestle, and play with, the narrator tried with much effort to fix his brother and to save himself from embarrassment.