Ever have a sibling who is unwanted and cannot be left alone? Older siblings are burdened by having to be with the younger sibling. In "The Scarlet Ibis", by James Hurst, Brother's actions help and destroy Doodle in a very tragic and in a sorrowful way. .
With down cast eyes of Doodle's limitations, Brother condemns his younger sibling for not being normal, enabling him to treat Doodle in a harsh and wicked manner. For example, Brother makes Doodle touch his own coffin, a symbol of Doodle's expected death and unlikelihood to live. Brother's subconscious mind causes a cruel streak to rise in him, which is directed toward Doodle. Brother enjoys the overwhelming sense of power and control he feels through the helplessness of Doodle. In addition, Brother leaves Doodle by himself. This causes Doodle to be afraid. Doodle's loneliness and his inability to reach out to others causes his world to be centered on his brother, creating a great emotional attachment between them. Brother does not realize this and leaves Doodle many times, causing Doodle to strain his heart at having to run after Brother.
Brother drives Doodle to have higher standards. For instance, Brother gives Doodle the encouragement he needs to make him walk. Brother believes in him when no one else does. Doodle starts to believe in himself and is ready to work hard. Also, Brother sets goals to learn to swim, run, and fight for Doodle. Doodle starts to train hard with the belief that he will learn to fit in. With many days of slow progress, Doodle's heart starts to weaken from having to overwork. .
Later on Brother starts to realize what a cruel and heartless mistake he made for his little brother Doodle. Brother starts a very special bond between each other. Brother does not feel the pain that Doodle is taking. Brother also fulfills his goals even though it was for a terrible reason. The tragic end of this bond between them comes with the death of Doodle.