Here's how the symbolism plays out:
* External Forces: The storm represents the harsh realities of life that can be both unpredictable and overwhelming. The narrator's brother Doodle, who is already fragile, is particularly vulnerable to the storm's destructive power. The storm symbolizes the cruel hand of fate that can snatch away even the most precious things.
* Internal Conflict: The storm also represents the narrator's own guilt and shame over his treatment of Doodle. He pushed Doodle too hard, forcing him to achieve things beyond his capabilities. The narrator's internal turmoil is reflected in the storm's intensity, mirroring the emotional storm he is experiencing.
* Doomed Fate: The storm's arrival coincides with Doodle's death. The ibis, a symbol of Doodle's own fragility, falls from the sky and dies in the storm. This underscores the sense that Doodle was never meant to survive the harsh realities of the world.
* Loss of Innocence: The storm marks a turning point in the narrator's life. He loses his innocence as he faces the full weight of his guilt and the finality of death. The storm represents a loss of hope, a realization that the world can be cruel and unforgiving.
Ultimately, the bad weather in "The Scarlet Ibis" is a powerful symbol of the destructive forces that are both internal and external to the narrator's life. It emphasizes the fragility of life, the weight of guilt, and the loss of innocence that can accompany tragedy.