What is right? What is wrong? These are questions that can only be answered with time and experience. Experiences construct one’s character, either for the better or worse. This is true for both Doodle’s brother from the Scarlet Ibis, and Mrs. Jong from The Rules of the Game. It is evident that often they are not aware of the impact their actions have on the other characters. Their narrow-mindedness, pride and manipulative actions greatly affect their surrounding environments and how other people see them.
The first similarity that is clear between both of these characters is the fact that they are both narrow-minded. They believe that everything they do is for the greater good, whether it is for selfish or selfless reasons. Brother was so blinded by his desperate need to fit in with society that he failed to see what he was doing to Doodle. This is proven when on one day Doodle collapsed trying to keep up with Brother. Doodle asks Brother if him being different makes a difference. Brother then replied with a firm ‘It certainly does’. In a way Brother’s conformism shows his fear for Doodle and not just for himself. Narrow-mindedness is also displayed through Mrs. Jong’s actions. This is…show more content… They use their manipulative actions to influence or control other people. This is clarified when Brother threatens to leave Doodle behind if he does not touch the casket that was made for him. Brother used Doodle’s fear of being alone to influence Doodle into doing something Brother wants. He fails to offer any empathy or to show understanding. Manipulation is also evident in Mrs. Jong. This is apparent when Waverly tells her mother that her showing off is embarrassing. Mrs. Jong twisted the words spoken by Waverly so that Waverly was the one at fault for supposedly saying that she was embarrassed to be with her mother. Mrs. Jong’s manipulative characteristics work cleverly to her
