In ‘The Scarlet Ibis,’ the most important conflict is the struggle between pride and compassion. This internal conflict is primarily experienced by the narrator, Brother, who grapples with his feelings towards his disabled younger brother, Doodle.
Throughout the story, Brother’s pride drives him to push Doodle beyond his limits, fueled by a desire to see him conform to societal expectations of ability and normalcy. This creates a tension between his love for Doodle and his desire for personal validation. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that this conflict has tragic consequences, showcasing the dangers of letting pride overshadow genuine compassion.
Ultimately, the conflict highlights themes of familial love, the impact of societal expectations, and the tragic outcomes that can arise when pride takes precedence over empathy.