Scarlet Ibis Symbolism

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In the short story “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst, the author uses symbols of death/dying to show the importance of recognizing one’s limits. Firstly, the symbol of death/ dying is used when the doctor tells the family about Doodle’s limits. “The doctor said with his weak heart that this strain would probably kill him” (Hurst 1). This shows that Brother and the rest of the family know that Doodle has limits. The second time the symbol of death/dying is used is when Brother tries to get Doodle up from the ground. “‘Let’s go Doodle’ I said. He didn’t answer, so I placed my hand on his forehead and lifted his head. Limply, he fell backwards onto the earth. He had been bleeding from the mouth, and his neck and the front of his shirt were stained