Question

in \the scarlet ibis,\ doodle is best symbolized by the bird, the scarlet ibis, because

both are rare and unusual creatures who are tragically separated from their families.
both are fragile creatures who struggle in their environments before dying tragic deaths.
doodle loved rare and unusual birds that he felt were similar to him in a variety of ways.
doodle saved the fragile bird, much as his brother attempted to save him when he was young.

Explanation:

Analyze the symbolic connection

In James Hurst's short story "The Scarlet Ibis," the author establishes a direct symbolic connection between the character Doodle and the scarlet ibis. We need to examine how their traits and fates align.

Evaluate the ibis's characteristics

The scarlet ibis is a delicate, exotic bird that is blown off course by a storm. It is out of its natural environment, struggles to survive, and ultimately dies of exhaustion under the bleeding tree.

Evaluate Doodle's characteristics

Doodle is born with a severe physical disability, making him extremely fragile. He struggles constantly to adapt to the physical demands placed on him by his environment and his brother, eventually dying a tragic death in a storm.

Compare the options

• Option 1 is incorrect because Doodle is not separated from his family.
• Option 2 correctly identifies that both are fragile, struggle in their environments, and die tragic deaths.
• Option 3 is incorrect because Doodle's connection is symbolic, not based on his personal feelings of similarity.
• Option 4 is incorrect because Doodle does not save the bird (it dies), and his brother did not try to save him when he was young in that manner.

Answer:

• both are rare and unusual creatures who are tragically separated from their families.
• both are fragile creatures who struggle in their environments before dying tragic deaths. (Correct answer)
• Doodle loved rare and unusual birds that he felt were similar to him in a variety of ways.
• Doodle saved the fragile bird, much as his brother attempted to save him when he was young.