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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 the announcer, what is the most important step citizens should take to protect themselves against the bird attacks?

2. Which type of dead bird litters the Trigg farm?

3. During the third attack, what room does Nat realize the birds have broken into?

4. After the third attack, what emotion overcomes Nat?

5. Which animals are described as “distressed” when Nat arrives at the farm?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Hocken family respond to the six o’clock news announcement?

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

3. What state are Mr. and Mrs. Trigg in when Nat arrives at their house?

4. What does Nat realize is the force behind the bird attacks, and what does this mean to his survival planning?

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

6. What is Nat doing as the story comes to a close?

7. During the final attack, what does Nat wonder about the birds’ mindset?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the initial response toward the bird attacks by the authorities? Why do they respond in the way that they do? What suggestions does Nat have for dealing with the birds? Are the birds ever dealt with? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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