Narrator & Perspective
Who is telling the story?
Brother is telling the story.
Why is Doodle such a disappointment to Brother?
Doodle is physically weak and unable to do the things that Brother hoped to do with a sibling, like running and playing.
Why is Doodle a burden to Brother?
Brother feels burdened by Doodle's physical limitations, as he cannot engage in typical activities and requires constant care.
How does the setting of Old Woman Swamp reveal that the boys love each other?
Old Woman Swamp is a place where the brothers bond, showing tenderness and care for one another.
Why does Brother leave Doodle behind?
Brother leaves Doodle behind out of frustration and anger when Doodle can’t keep up during a storm.
How old is the narrator when the story is being told?
He is reflecting as an adult on his childhood, so he is much older than when the events took place.
What are some other reasons that Doodle is not the kind of brother the narrator was hoping for?
Brother wanted a sibling who could keep up with him and engage in typical physical activities, but Doodle’s disabilities limit him.
What motivates Brother to treat Doodle in this way?
Brother's actions are motivated by pride and selfishness; he wants Doodle to be "normal" so that he doesn't feel embarrassed by him.
What are some similarities between Doodle and the bird?
Both are fragile, out of place, and meet tragic ends. The scarlet ibis foreshadows Doodle's death.
What happens to Doodle in the storm?
Doodle collapses and dies after being abandoned by Brother during the storm.
Is the story happening now or in the past?
The story is being told as a reflection, so it is happening in the past.
Why does the narrator consider smothering his baby brother?
He is ashamed and disappointed to have a brother who is physically weak and "different."
In what ways does Brother disregard the doctor's instructions regarding Doodle?
The doctor warns that Doodle should not be overexerted, but Brother pushes him hard physically, disregarding the warnings.
Why do you think Doodle is so deeply affected by the death of the scarlet ibis?
Doodle identifies with the bird's vulnerability and perhaps sees it as a reflection of his own struggles.
How does Brother's selfishness impact his relationship with Doodle?
Brother’s selfishness leads him to push Doodle beyond his limits, ultimately resulting in Doodle’s death.
Why does the narrator rename his little brother?
He renames him Doodle because he thinks crawling backward like a doodlebug is more fitting than his real name, William Armstrong.
What happens to change the narrator's mind about killing his brother?
Doodle smiles at him, showing that there is more to him than his limitations, which endears him to Brother.
Pages 58-59, identify Brother's mean treatment of Doodle.
Brother pushes Doodle beyond his limits, dragging him out to practice walking and forcing him into physical activities he cannot handle.
What kind of act does Brother undertake for Doodle that shows kindness?
Brother teaches Doodle to walk, which initially seems like an act of kindness, even though it’s partly driven by selfish motives.
What internal conflict does Brother experience throughout the story?
Brother struggles between love and shame, pride and guilt, as he both cares for Doodle and feels burdened by him.
Are Brother and Doodle really telling lies? What are they actually doing?
They aren't lying in a malicious way; they are using their imagination to create a fantasy world, showing their closeness and creativity.
Why does Brother cry when everyone hugs him?
Brother is crying because he feels conflicted and guilty for his selfish motivations in helping Doodle.
What negative effects does the development program have on Doodle?
The physical strain exhausts Doodle, causing him to become weaker, and eventually contributes to his tragic death.
What would motivate someone to murder his own brother?
In Brother’s case, it’s not about literal murder but the metaphorical death caused by his pride, selfishness, and shame about Doodle's weaknesses.
What is the significance of Doodle's death in the context of Brother’s journey?
Doodle's death represents the culmination of Brother’s selfishness, leading to guilt and regret as Brother realizes the true cost of his pride.