"The Scarlet Ibis", a short story by James Hurst, demonstrates how selfishness and greed can be used for the betterment of others. As shown in this short story, Doodle's brother's perseverance comes only from selfishness, greed and pride. In the end guilt takes over, bringing out the brother's love for Doodle, even though Doodle was the exact opposite of what his brother had wished for. "The Scarlet Ibis" is a short story about a boy and his malformed brother, named Doodle. Doodle's brother wants to have a regular brother, so he teaches Doodle how to walk, he pushes Doodle on, so he can be a regular kid. He pushes Doodle on to an extreme, and kills Doodle in the process. Doodle's brother acted out of pure selfishness, greed, and pride; nothing else.

Doodle's brother wanted a brother for the sole purpose of his entertainment, and Doodle did not...