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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 do with the bird bodies he finds in his yard?

2. What reason does Nat give Jill as to why the birds won’t attack them on their way to the farm?

3. How many journeys does Nat make between the farm and his home, loading up his car with supplies?

4. After the frightening broadcast, what meal does Nat make to cheer his children?

5. What does Nat do with the Triggs’ bodies before returning home?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does Nat feel about the army sending reconnaissance forces to battle the birds?

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

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

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

10. Who is Jim, and how was he killed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How does Nat's relationship with his wife and family differ both before and after the attack of the birds? Why is this so?

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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