Final answer:
The cause of Doodle's death in James Hurst's short story is implied to be related to physical exhaustion, a possible heart condition, and emotional stress. Brother's relentless pushing of Doodle and his final abandonment during a storm are significant factors in the events leading to Doodle's demise. Doodle's fragile health, coupled with Brother's pride and lack of understanding of his limitations, result in the tragic ending.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the short story by James Hurst, the cause of Doodle's death is not explicitly stated, but clues given throughout the narrative suggest that a combination of physical exhaustion, emotional stress, and possibly a heart condition were contributing factors. The strenuous activities that Brother pushed Doodle to undertake and the storm that caught them while they were out all played pivotal roles in the events leading to Doodle's death. Brother's insistence on making Doodle do things beyond his physical capabilities, coupled with the abandonment during the storm, can be seen as Brother playing a significant part in Doodle's tragic end.
Throughout the story, Doodle's health is a constant concern. He is described as a fragile child with physical disabilities, yet he achieves remarkable things due to Brother's determination to strengthen him. However, this determination often borders on obsession and disregard for Doodle's limits. The brother's pride and the emotional pressures he places on Doodle showcase the complex dynamics between the siblings that contribute to the tragic conclusion.
The climax of the story, where the brothers are caught in a storm and Brother runs ahead, leaving Doodle behind, marks the culmination of Brother's failure to understand Doodle's physical limitations and the lethal consequences that follow. Doodle's body is found under a red nightshade bush, symbolic of both beauty and danger, mirroring the nature of their relationship—beautiful in its moments of triumph yet dangerous in its intensity and unreasonable expectations.