View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Nat sees the gulls circling overhead, what do they look like they’re waiting for?

2. Throughout the story, whom does Nat often order to “do what I tell you”?

3. What type of birds were involved in the previous night’s attack?

4. How many birds does Nat kill during the attack in the children’s bedroom?

5. On the story’s first evening, what wakes Nat from sleep?

Short Essay Questions

1. During the news broadcast at dinner that night, what insight does the announcer give into the attacks?

2. What does Mrs. Hocken think the army should do to battle the birds, and what is Nat’s reaction to his wife’s idea?

3. When does Nat typically watch the birds, and what does he notice about them when the story opens?

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

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

6. What theory does Mrs. Trigg present as the origins of the strange birds?

7. What is Nat’s mental state when he returns home from the bus stop?

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

9. What does Nat Hocken do for a living, and why does he enjoy it?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 840 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample