* Doodle's Weakness: Doodle is born with physical disabilities, making him extremely fragile and vulnerable. His brother, the narrator, recognizes this weakness and struggles to accept it.
* The Harshness of Nature: The setting of the story is the rural South, with hot, humid summers and unpredictable weather. This environment is unforgiving to someone as delicate as Doodle. The heat, the storms, and even the natural world itself (represented by the scarlet ibis) become symbolic of the challenges Doodle faces.
* The Struggle for Survival: The narrator pushes Doodle beyond his limits, trying to make him "normal." This ambition, while born out of love, exposes Doodle to the harsh realities of nature, making his survival a constant struggle.
* The Ibis as a Metaphor: The scarlet ibis, a beautiful but fragile bird that dies after being caught in a storm, mirrors Doodle's fate. Its death symbolizes the fragility of life and the vulnerability of individuals in the face of nature's power.
* The Ultimate Outcome: Doodle's death in the storm underscores the overwhelming power of nature. His inability to overcome his physical limitations, coupled with the unforgiving elements, ultimately lead to his demise.
Ultimately, the Man vs. Nature conflict in "The Scarlet Ibis" highlights the struggle for survival against the backdrop of a harsh natural world. Doodle's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pushing beyond one's limits and the inherent fragility of life.