The Scarlet Ibis Character Analysis

“Doodle was paralyzed, so I put him on my shoulder and carried him down the ladder, and even when we were outside in the bright sunshine, he clung to me, crying, ‘Don't leave me. Don't leave me.’” (Hurst) The passage from the story, The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst, shows how even as the narrator found pleasure in tormenting his younger brother Doodle, he still felt a responsibility to Doodle and cared for him. Throughout the story the narrator often forces his weak brother to do seemingly impossible tasks but is brought with joy and happiness when Doodle completes these tasks. The narrator is seen to be a negative character but if you dig deeper into the text the elder brother is young and naive but also feels guilt and sorrow for his sibling
He regularly seems to have outbursts of anger or disappointment towards his brother, but keeps them hidden. It is especially hard for him when he knew Doodle has failed and needed him. Even though he is still young and naive himself he gets over his frivolous streaks and feels guilt and love for Doodle. “I hadn’t run too far before I became tired, and the flood of childish spite evanesced as well. I stopped and waited for Doodle. . . . I lay there crying, sheltering my fallen scarlet ibis from the heresy of rain” (Hurst). The narrator displays one of his only acts of remorse and is filled with sadness when he realizes what has become of his weaker brother. It seems that he has truly felt love for Doodle and cared about him and it is a shame that it is too late for Doodle to know.
In summary, the narrator of The Scarlet Ibis seems egotistical and self centered and often shows his insecurities; however, he cherished Doodle and is guided by love for his brother. For most, the ending is tragic but it shows that it is up to the reader to decide whether you believe the narrator is just an adolescent boy or a monster in