“The Birds”
TEXT: Infer why du Maurier (the author) mentions the stillness/silence so often. What could this symbolize at the beginning? At the end? Explain.
Answer:
The frequent mention of stillness/silence by du Maurier could symbolize the calm before a storm or impending danger at the beginning of the story. It creates an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere that hints at the unusual and terrifying events to come. By the end, the persistent silence could represent the aftermath of the bird attacks, indicating a world left in desolation and fear. It could also symbolize the end of normalcy, as the characters must adapt to a new, threatening reality.