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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. What does Nat think the army should do to fight against the birds?

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

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the crucial supplies Nat seeks to collect?

4. While driving home from the farm, whose body does Mrs. Hocken spot, and request Nat drive carefully around?

5. Which adjective best describes the announcer’s voice during his afternoon broadcast?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. How does Nat use the bird corpses to reinforce his barricades, and how does he feel about this?

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

9. Why doesn’t Nat feel bad about stealing supplies from the Trigg farm, and how much does he gather?

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

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

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

Symbolism is an important element of "The Birds." Find three symbolic elements, incidents, or objects in the story. Explain how the elements are symbolic and why they are important.

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This section contains 812 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample