In James Hurst’s story, The Scarlet Ibis, the narrator’s excessive obsession with self image and pride is shown through the characterization and symbolism of himself and his disabled little brother, Doodle. The story starts when the narrator’s little brother, Doodle, is born. He was expected to not be able to do much because he born extremely disabled. Throughout the story, the narrator characterizes himself and Doodle in many ways. For example, in the text it states, “Renaming my brother was probably the kindest thing I ever did for him, because nobody expects much from someone called Doodle” (Hurst, pg #). Originally, Doodle’s name was William Armstrong. His brother renamed him Doodle, because William Armstrong sounds like a significant
