Symbolism is strong in this story. The scarlet ibis itself is a symbol of Doodle. Just as the ibis is out of place in the environment where it ends up, Doodle is out of place in a world that demands a certain kind of physical ability. The red color of the ibis also symbolizes the passion and the life that is in Doodle, as well as the blood and the tragedy that will befall him.
The 'Scarlet Ibis' is a story full of complex themes. One of the main themes is pride. The narrator's pride in his disabled brother Doodle is initially a form of love but later becomes a destructive force. He pushes Doodle too hard in an attempt to make him 'normal'.
The setting in the story also plays a crucial role. The southern landscape with its swamps and heat creates an atmosphere that is both beautiful and somewhat oppressive. It mirrors the relationship between the two brothers, full of love but also burdened with the narrator's unrealistic expectations.