Lions, tigers, and bears are all animals used to symbolize humans and their mannerisms. Birds can also be used to relate to humans, as they seem to possess many of the same characteristics as humans do. A woodpecker's jittery antics, a bald eagle's splendor, and hummingbird's delicate flight can all be related to similar attributes of humans or to humans themselves. In her book, The Bean Trees, Barbara Kingsolver repeatedly uses birds as a symbol because birds have a positive connotation that represents a multitude of human characteristics, including happiness, freedom, and survival.

As Kingsolver's plot progresses, the characters are trapped on a turbulent ride that takes them through happiness and sorrow. During each major change in the general mood of the story, Kingsolver brings different species of birds into the characters' lives. After a relaxing picnic and swim, Mattie's truck comes to an...