The bird that represents death in the story “The Scarlet Ibis” is not explicitly mentioned. However, there are several birds that are often associated with death in various cultures and literature. One such bird is the raven, which is often seen as a symbol of death and despair.
In many cultures, the raven is believed to be a messenger of death or a harbinger of bad luck. Its dark and mysterious appearance, along with its eerie calls, contribute to its association with death. The raven is often depicted as a symbol of impending doom or as a companion of the underworld.
Similarly, in “The Scarlet Ibis,” the death of the titular bird serves as a foreshadowing of the tragic fate that awaits the main character, Doodle. The scarlet ibis, with its vibrant red plumage, stands out against the backdrop of the story, symbolizing both beauty and fragility. Its arrival and subsequent death represent the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
The scarlet ibis and the raven both share common themes of mortality and despair. The death of the scarlet ibis mirrors the tragic ending of the story, where Doodle, too, meets his untimely demise. Just as the raven symbolizes death in many cultures, the scarlet ibis represents the fragility of life and the inevitability of death in the context of the narrative.
Drawing parallels between the scarlet ibis and the raven reinforces the themes of mortality and despair in “The Scarlet Ibis.” Both birds serve as reminders of the impermanence of life and the cruelty of fate. Their presence in the story adds a sense of foreboding and sets the tone for the tragic events that unfold.
Moreover, the association between the scarlet ibis and death can also be seen through the emotional impact it has on the characters. The death of the bird deeply affects Doodle, who empathizes with its vulnerability and struggles. It becomes a catalyst for his own self-realization and acceptance of his physical limitations. The scarlet ibis’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the frailty of life and the human capacity for both compassion and cruelty.
While the specific bird that represents death in “The Scarlet Ibis” is not mentioned, the scarlet ibis itself can be seen as a symbol of mortality and despair. Its vibrant yet fragile nature mirrors the fleetingness of life, and its death foreshadows the tragic fate of the main character. Similarly, the raven, a bird often associated with death in various cultures, shares common themes with the scarlet ibis, reinforcing the themes of mortality and despair in the story.