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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. According to Nat’s calculation, how long will each “lull” between attacks last?

2. During the third attack, what does Nat find smoldering in the kitchen fire?

3. During the final attack, what does Nat wonder about the birds?

4. What excuse does Nat give when the morning news announcement fails to broadcast?

5. What does Nat tell his wife when she asks about the Triggs’ wellbeing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Nat decide to take his family with him to the Trigg farm in search of supplies?

2. Why does Nat drive through the second gate to his home after leaving the Trigg farm?

3. What is the droning sound that the Hockens hear during their dinner, and why does it stop?

4. Why does Nat feel a sense of admiration for the birds?

5. Why happens that leads Nat to realize the necessity of keeping a fire burning in the kitchen chimney at all times?

6. What does Mrs. Hocken chide Johnny about during dinner in the story’s final section, and why is this ironic?

7. Why does silence fill the Hocken house after the third attack, and what does this mean?

8. When Nat leaves the house for the first time to gather supplies, what does he notice about the birds?

9. How has the radio announcer’s voice changed in the 6 o’clock broadcast?

10. How does the radio music change during the attacks, and what does this signify?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although it is not explicitly stated, it can be argued that "The Birds" is a reference to the coming Cold War. Do you believe this is an accurate assessment? Why or why not? If so, provide examples from the text to support your claim. If not, explain why the Cold War analogy is made using references from the story. Refute these references.

Essay Topic 2

In your opinion, why does the story have an ambiguous ending? Is this merely to elicit a reaction from the readers, or does the author have a deeper purpose? Is there an entirely different reason? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

While "The Birds" is believed to have been allegorical to the Cold War, it is also believed that "The Birds" is a cautionary tale about the environment, or a warning about pushing nature too far. Which of these do you believe to be most accurate? Provide three examples from the text to support your claim. If you believe that "The Birds" is allegorical to all three options, provide one example speaking to each from the text.

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