The Birds by Daphne du Maurier (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide

by Bright Summaries

Unlock the more straightforward side of “The Birds” with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!

This engaging summary presents an analysis of “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier, which centres on Nat Hocken, a farmhand and ex-soldier whose life is turned upside-down one night when a flock of birds begins attacking his family’s house. Although no one else seems to pay his warnings any heed, it soon becomes clear that this is no imagined the birds’ sudden aggression is not an isolated incident, and attacks begin to occur around the country, with no apparent motivation other than an echo of the turning of the tides. The tension continues to grow throughout the story, as Nat does his best to gather supplies and protect his family, even as his hopes of survival begin to dwindle… “The Birds” is one of Daphne du Maurier’s best-known short stories, and is regarded as a cult classic of the horror genre.

Find out everything you need to know about “The Birds” in a fraction of the time!

This in-depth and informative reading guide brings

•A complete plot summary
•Character studies
•Key themes and symbols
•Questions for further reflection

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24 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2019

Reviews

[Amélie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! I only read the birds. Such a great story!!!! A little scary but it was tremendously well written! Definitely going to read a lot more of Daphne Du Maurier!

[Gail DiVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. Story centers around a family of 3 who have recently moved to Cornwall to get away from London right after the war. Soon after their arrival, they started being attacked by hundrds of birds, many kinds. They listened to a broadcast from London regarding the emergency but the wires were then cut. The birds were attacking the house, animals, everything in their path. Their neighbors were far apart, so the family began trying to collect things they could use for protection. I remember watching the movies years ago, and, now after reading it, wonder if this is something as a result of the destruction that occurred because of the war, maybe nature's way of saying "look what you've done." Definitely worth the read and/or listen. Definitely makes you think.

[Kelly Perry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading the reviews of this I had high expectations, I love the likes of Stephen King and Dean Koontz so thought this would be good, it is not.  A family of 4 start getting attacked by birds during the night which then becomes a pandemic around the world when the day light starts to fade, this story focuses on just this family.  I felt it was written by AI rather than an actual person.  It's only a short story but it didn't capture my attention at all and was hard to read. For the supernatural element alone it get 1 🌟

[Liz Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was very captivating. I loved it and wish this was the movie that was made and not the one Hitchcock actually made which had nothing to do with the story aside from the birds attacking people.

[Ryan Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully suspenseful. Wholesome heartbreak.

[Mimi Mew · Rating 4 out of 5]

traumatising for a 2nd grader, sticks with you for life.