The major symbolism is this story is in its title. The story is about Brother and his relationship with his disabled brother, Doodle. However, the title of the story is the name of a bird. The point the author is trying to make is that Doodle and the Scarlet Ibis have much in common. Both have "flown" beyond expectations, the bird is hundreds of miles from its home and Doodle functions way above the expectations for him. Both have been injured on their life's journeys. The ibis is bloody and near death when Doodle notices him. Doodle's heart has been weakened by the strain Brother puts on him. Doodle is the only person to really care about the bird and buries him carefully. He and the bird both die on the same day, indicating a connection that lies deeper than just compassion. Thus, the scarlet ibis is a symbol for Doodle and his struggle to fly beyond expectations.
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