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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long does Nat wait at the bus stop before Jill’s bus arrives?

2. At what time is the news broadcast in the evening?

3. What does Nat take with him from the shed when he picks Jill up from the bus stop?

4. What does Nat find most annoying about the radio news broadcaster?

5. While waiting at the bus stop, how does Nat know the birds are headed inland?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Nat filled with “a kind of excitement” upon returning home from the beach?

2. What supplies do the Hockens have at home, and what does Nat list as necessities to buy the next time he’s in town?

3. How does Mr. Trigg help the situation when Jill arrives at the bus stop?

4. How does Nat dispose of the bird carcasses that litter his yard after the first attack?

5. What does Nat find irritating about the radio announcer’s voice, and why?

6. What does Nat think has caused the birds’ strange behavior?

7. How is the weather described on the morning of the first bird attack?

8. Who does Nat speak to while at the bus stop, and what is their reaction to his call?

9. What startling sight does Nat see while on the beach?

10. Why does Nat rush to the bus stop, early, to meet Jill from school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is unique about the past of the character Nat Hocken? How does his past affect him in the present? Does this set him apart from other characters in the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

How does "The Birds" reflect the theme of "man versus nature"? Do you believe this is the dominant theme in the story? Why or why not? If so, provide examples from the story which support your point. If not, explain what theme is dominant in the story. Provide examples to support your point.

Essay Topic 3

What signs that something is amiss does Nat notice early on in the story? Why does he notice these things when no one else does? How does Nat's ability to notice these things ultimately affect the fate of his character?

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