Disappointment occurs when people do not meet standards. In these situations, they must adapt, overcome and always keep the faith. Relationships between families require a bond that can never be broken. James Hurst writes a masterful realistic fiction short story called “The Scarlet Ibis”. Brother has an invalid brother named Doodle, who always follows Brother everywhere. Doodle also has problems during different seasons. Brother tries to make Doodle normal but emphasizes the process too much. During training, a responsibility is given to Brother by the go cart. The Scarlet Ibis is a symbol of Doodle's death, along with the tombstone, and James Hurst uses various symbols throughout the story. The symbolism of “The Scarlet Ibis” represents Doodle and the various thoughts and feelings surrounding him. James Hurst uses the seasons as symbols of Doodle's progress. Different seasons have positives and negatives. Winters depicts regression: “For I [am] at school and Doodle [is] suffering from one bad cold after another” (Hurst 114). After thinking that Doodle had mental problems, the family realizes that he has a physical disability. The winter season casts an evil spell on Doodle and represents death and fall. Spring and summer show progress: “Success [lies] at the end of summer like a pot of gold, and our campaign” (Hurst 114) is off to a great start. While Doodle begins his training perfectly, Spring's progress is halted due to Brother's pride. Campaign for Regularity Old Woman Swamp is the location of Doodle's spring success. Shortcomings during winter but advancement in spring are symbols of Doodle's progress. Hurst beautifully depicts these symbols in "The Scarlet Ibis....... middle of paper...... a gigantic allusion to the beliefs of Doodle's parents. This is important because this could be one of the reasons why Mom lets Doodle go with Brother because she also thinks he is an invalid. Death, doubt, lack of faith and pride are the symbols that connect to the tombstone. The symbolism used in “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst impacts the story by indirectly giving the reader relationships between two objects or ideas. The three main symbols are the seasons, the go cart and the tombstone. These are proven by Doodle's progress throughout the year, the difficulties Brother faces in handling Doodle, and the baby's near death. Once again, Hurst uses symbolism to describe Doodle's family and all the emotions surrounding them. Works Cited Hurst, James. The scarlet ibis. Mirrors and windows: connection with literature, level IV. Saint-Paul: EMC, 2009. Print.