"The Scarlet Ibis" is a short story written by James Hurst and published in 1960. The story follows the relationship between two brothers, Doodle and the narrator, and the struggles and successes they face as Doodle tries to overcome his physical limitations.
At the beginning of the story, Doodle is a sickly and weak child who is not expected to survive for long. Despite this, his older brother, the narrator, is determined to help him learn to walk and become stronger. The narrator pushes Doodle to do things that are beyond his physical abilities, such as attempting to crawl and walk, and eventually, Doodle is able to walk short distances with the help of crutches.
However, the narrator's efforts to help Doodle are not entirely selfless. The narrator is motivated by a desire to prove to his family and community that Doodle is not a "failure," and that he can be successful despite his physical limitations. The narrator's desire for Doodle to succeed becomes an obsession, and he pushes Doodle to his limits, even when it becomes clear that Doodle is in pain and struggling.
The climax of the story occurs when Doodle and the narrator are out in a thunderstorm and Doodle collapses. The narrator is forced to confront the reality that Doodle is not going to survive, and that his efforts to help Doodle have ultimately caused more harm than good.
The story ends with the narrator reflecting on his actions and the consequences of his obsession with helping Doodle. He realizes that his desire to prove something to others and to himself led him to push Doodle beyond his limits, and that he should have accepted Doodle for who he was rather than trying to change him.
Overall, "The Scarlet Ibis" is a poignant and moving tale that explores the complex relationships between siblings, the power of love and compassion, and the dangers of trying to impose one's own expectations and desires on others. It is a reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding, and of the need to let go of our own ego and selfishness in order to truly love and care for others.