Doodle died in The Scarlet Ibis due to a combination of his physical limitations and the harsh conditions he was subjected to. Doodle was born with a weak heart and other physical disabilities, which made him fragile and vulnerable. His brother, who was determined to make Doodle “normal,” pushed him beyond his limits during a storm. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Doodle collapsed and died, unable to withstand the physical strain.
The story uses Doodle’s death to highlight themes of pride, love, and the consequences of pushing someone too hard. The scarlet ibis, a bird that dies in the family’s yard earlier in the story, serves as a symbol for Doodle—both are fragile, out of place, and ultimately unable to survive in their environments.