“All for one and one for all...” (Dumas). From Alexandre Dumas’ novel, The Three Musketeers, this encouraging motto signifies collaboration and coaction within a group. However, when instead depending on another exceedingly, one may develop to be vulnerable and lead to crisis, especially in dire circumstances. Furthermore, the importance of a partnership can be beneficial to both partakers and lead to a solution. Clearly exemplified in the short story, “The Birds”, by Daphne du Maurier, it showcased the effects of dependency and unpreparedness in the events of the story. This short story, published in 1952, follows Nat Hocken and his family through the horrors of several mysterious bird raids, set in England in the beginning of the Cold War.
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and Mr. Hocken’s. In “The Birds”, Nat’s wife’s character expresses anxiety and concern, which reveals her dependency. An example of Mrs. Hocken’s apprehensive disposition is seen in the short story as she questions America’s loyalty saying, “They were not fully prepared...‘Won’t America do something?...Surely America will do something?”’ (Maurier 204, 212). Mrs. Hocken’s constant state of desperation and inquiry characterizes her as an anxious and worry full woman. Distinguished by her dialogue and reactions, she is identified as dependent, most notably on the government and its allies. Consequently, her lack of self-sufficiency proved unsuccessful as the new, failing government eliminated many hopeful notions for an end to the everlasting battle. Leaving England vulnerable, Nat and his family, along with the thousands of other citizens, fend for themselves involuntarily. In a similar way, Nat, her husband, put his trust in Mrs. Hocken, leading to more complications in the already hectic events. For example, Nat’s beliefs are present as he reflects upon his wife’s actions, “Bread was low…‘We’d be better off in the old days... women baked twice a week… there was food for a family to last a siege…’” (181). Though Nat is particularly characterized as a resourceful and sedulous man, he sporadically leans on his …show more content…
In “The Birds”, the new government appears to be the strong union that they once were, only to crumble down with their efforts symbolizing more than they appear. In an attempt to save those who depended on them, the government sent out planes only to realize that the birds would take a lot more than some bullets and fuel, “‘Their sending out planes after the birds’... ‘It’s good, isn’t it…’... heard a crash… He did not want to tell her that the sound they had heard was the crashing of aircraft” (194). As the planes take on the birds they represent the authorities’ jurisdiction over the situation and their ability to resolve the nation’s dilemmas. Although, as the machines disappear into the sea, the planes symbolize the inefficient means against the enemy and failure. Even though the whole country put their lives in the hands of the seemingly strong government, they failed to protect them, and as a result, leaves the people of England responsible for the safeguard of themselves. Likewise, another source of hope from the government proved unsuccessful yet again. For instance, as the wireless reports the latest news on the emergency, the reporter states, “‘Measures are being taken to safeguard the lives and property of the population…’”, but later Nat
and Mr. Hocken’s. In “The Birds”, Nat’s wife’s character expresses anxiety and concern, which reveals her dependency. An example of Mrs. Hocken’s apprehensive disposition is seen in the short story as she questions America’s loyalty saying, “They were not fully prepared...‘Won’t America do something?...Surely America will do something?”’ (Maurier 204, 212). Mrs. Hocken’s constant state of desperation and inquiry characterizes her as an anxious and worry full woman. Distinguished by her dialogue and reactions, she is identified as dependent, most notably on the government and its allies. Consequently, her lack of self-sufficiency proved unsuccessful as the new, failing government eliminated many hopeful notions for an end to the everlasting battle. Leaving England vulnerable, Nat and his family, along with the thousands of other citizens, fend for themselves involuntarily. In a similar way, Nat, her husband, put his trust in Mrs. Hocken, leading to more complications in the already hectic events. For example, Nat’s beliefs are present as he reflects upon his wife’s actions, “Bread was low…‘We’d be better off in the old days... women baked twice a week… there was food for a family to last a siege…’” (181). Though Nat is particularly characterized as a resourceful and sedulous man, he sporadically leans on his …show more content…
In “The Birds”, the new government appears to be the strong union that they once were, only to crumble down with their efforts symbolizing more than they appear. In an attempt to save those who depended on them, the government sent out planes only to realize that the birds would take a lot more than some bullets and fuel, “‘Their sending out planes after the birds’... ‘It’s good, isn’t it…’... heard a crash… He did not want to tell her that the sound they had heard was the crashing of aircraft” (194). As the planes take on the birds they represent the authorities’ jurisdiction over the situation and their ability to resolve the nation’s dilemmas. Although, as the machines disappear into the sea, the planes symbolize the inefficient means against the enemy and failure. Even though the whole country put their lives in the hands of the seemingly strong government, they failed to protect them, and as a result, leaves the people of England responsible for the safeguard of themselves. Likewise, another source of hope from the government proved unsuccessful yet again. For instance, as the wireless reports the latest news on the emergency, the reporter states, “‘Measures are being taken to safeguard the lives and property of the population…’”, but later Nat