Importance of George’s Bird

The bird George tried to save as a child represents the idea of trying to do what is right. George had tried to save the bird, but when he could not, he brought it to his father for help. His father killed the bird and told George that he did what was right by putting the bird out of its misery. As an adult, George rationalizes that shooting the people in the Center is doing what is right because he is protecting his daughter. George thinks of what his father did when he is trying to convince himself that his violent act is for the greater good.