Scarlet Ibis Theme Essay

Words: 444
Pages: 2

Pride can poison why a person does things. It may seem or look like it is for the benefit of others when really it is for selfish reasons. In “Scarlet Ibis” Hurst writes form the brother’s point of view; allowing the reader to know the main character’s thoughts and feelings. By writing this way the reader is able to realize the true intentions of the brother and how he really feels about Doodle.
The main character (the brother) works really hard to help his disabled brother (Doodle) learn how to walk. Doodle was able to walk by his 6th birthday and surprise his family. While Doodle ad the family celebrated his brother became shamed with guilt.
“They did not know that I did it for myself: that pride, whose slave I was, spoke to me louder than
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Doodle’s brother continued to push him.
“Aw, come on, Doodle,” I urged. “You can do it. Do you want to be different from everybody else when you start school?”
“Does it make a difference?”
“It certainly does,” I said. “Now, come on,” and I helped him up. (24)
No matter what Doodle accomplishes his brother does not think it is enough. Doodle’s brother is still embarrassed by Doodle and his differences. Pride is again turning the brotherly lessons into selfish reasons. Doodle’s brother admits that being different does matter and that he wants his brother to change.
Doodle admired his brother and looked up to him for help and comfort. Doodle’s brother’s helpfulness and motive was based on his pride. He did not want a “cripple brother” or a brother that was “different from everybody else”. If only Doodle’s brother took the time to accept his brother and help him learn new things for unselfish reasons. Hurst ends the story with the brother leaving Doodle and he died alone. Doodle’s brother should never have left him and Doodle did not deserve to die alone. Pride took over and gave Doodle’s brother a tough lesson he will never