The scarlet ibis. The bird symbolizes Doodle. You will learn more about this in the “Scarlet Ibis” lesson plan that follows. The loft symbolizes confinement and restriction. The grindstone, a place where knives, axes and other sharp objects are sharpened, symbolizes Doodle's sacrifice, innocence and hard work. Character analysis of Scarlet Ibis Brother. In the heartbreaking story of The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst, the character of the older brother is a complex and multidimensional figure. Through his growth and transformation, the brother's actions, thoughts and emotions reveal a deep exploration of themes such as love, pride and. Introduction. Literature has long been a means by which authors explore complex human emotions and experiences. In The Scarlet Ibis, a short story by James Hurst, the themes of pride, ego and the consequences of excessive ambition are powerfully depicted. Through the story of two brothers, the narrator and his disabled people,