In the short story The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst, Doodle, the younger brother of the narrator, is born with a serious physical condition. He has a congenital heart defect, which makes him very weak and limits his physical abilities. This condition is a central theme in the story, as it affects Doodle’s life and the way his family treats him.
Doodle’s heart condition means that he cannot engage in strenuous activities and is often at risk of overexertion. His brother, who is the narrator, pushes Doodle to learn how to walk and do other physical activities, partly out of love and partly out of pride. However, this pushing ultimately leads to a tragic outcome, highlighting the delicate balance between care and overexertion for someone with such a condition.
The story uses Doodle’s condition to explore themes of pride, love, and the fragility of life. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and compassion for those who are physically challenged.