Scarlet Ibis Character Analysis Essay

In “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst, Brother doesn’t realize what his pride costs him until it’s too late. As a weak child, no one expects Doodle, Brother’s younger brother, to survive past infancy, but he does live. When Doodle turns six, Brother aims to teach him how to walk. It takes Doodle a while to get the hang of it, but with great patience and determination he achieves his goal. After a ferocious storm, a Scarlet Ibis drifts into the family's front yard, but is too weak and dies. Touched by the bird’s struggle, Doodle decides to bury it. Soon after, Doodle starts to feel feverish and sick. When another storm hits nobody is prepared, especially Doodle. Doodle demonstrates many unique characteristics such as compassion, anxiety, and

His compassion is a trait he has always had and is part of his personality. Because of his constant struggle in his life, whether it's a physical or emotional hamper, he understands other’s pains and struggles and has empathy for them. A scarlet ibis dies in the family's yard and Doodle takes interest in the matter. The author says that “Slowly, while singing softly “Shall We Gather at the River,” he carried the bird around to the front yard and dug a hole in the flower garden...” (342). This quote shows the strong connection he shared with the bird. Doodle was overwhelmed with compassion and decided the beautiful scarlet ibis needed a proper burial. Throughout the story Doodle and his brother share a close bond that grows with time. Brother eventually decides to show Doodle Old Woman Swamp. Doodle is touched by his brothers action: “His eyes were round with wonder as he gazed about him, and his little hands began to stroke the rubber grass… It's so pretty,” he said, “So pretty, pretty, pretty” (335). His compassion is not always apparent, but is delivered through his motives and clear for the reader to understand. His compassion is a quiet sound but strongly felt through his