When examining the conclusion of “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier, it becomes apparent that the story reaches a chilling climax that leaves readers with a sense of unease. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist, Nat Hocken, finds himself in a desperate situation as he realizes the severity of the bird attacks plaguing his town. Despite his attempts to fortify his home against the onslaught of avian aggressors, Nat is ultimately faced with a bleak realization of the world around him.
As the story nears its end, Nat succumbs to the grim reality that the radio he turns on remains silent, signaling that the entire world is potentially under attack from the birds. This revelation adds a layer of isolation and impending doom to the narrative, as Nat grapples with the scope of the catastrophe unfolding around him. The absence of communication further intensifies the atmosphere of uncertainty and vulnerability that permeates the story.
One pivotal moment at the conclusion of the short story occurs when Nat decides to smoke his last cigarette, symbolizing a sort of acceptance of his dire circumstances. This act of lighting up his final cigarette serves as a poignant gesture of defiance in the face of overwhelming odds, highlighting Nat’s resilience and determination in the midst of chaos. The choice to indulge in this simple pleasure amidst the chaos underscores the theme of finding solace and fleeting moments of normalcy in times of crisis.
Moreover, the act of turning to smoke the cigarette signifies a moment of contemplation for Nat, as he reflects on the events that have led him to this harrowing predicament. The cigarette, a small act of rebellion in the face of impending danger, encapsulates the character’s defiance and refusal to succumb entirely to fear. This introspective moment adds depth to Nat’s character, showcasing both his vulnerability and his strength as he navigates the turmoil surrounding him.
Additionally, as Nat lights his cigarette and takes a drag, he gazes at the empty pack before tossing it into the fire. This symbolic gesture of discarding the empty pack represents a shedding of the past and a willingness to confront the unknown future that lies ahead. The burning of the pack can be interpreted as a metaphor for the destruction and transformation occurring not only in Nat’s immediate environment but also on a larger scale as the world grapples with the avian onslaught.
Notably, the conclusion of “The Birds” leaves readers with a sense of lingering dread and uncertainty, as Nat’s final act of watching the pack burn serves as a haunting reminder of the fragility of human existence in the face of nature’s relentless power. The image of the burning pack symbolizes both an end and a new beginning, encapsulating the cyclical nature of life and death that pervades the narrative. It is a stark reminder of the tenuous balance between mankind and the natural world, and the fleeting nature of our control over our surroundings.
In conclusion, the ending of “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier is a haunting and thought-provoking conclusion that underscores the fragility of human civilization in the face of nature’s unfathomable forces. Through the character of Nat Hocken and his symbolic actions at the end of the story, du Maurier leaves readers with a lasting impression of the unpredictability and vastness of the natural world, as well as the resilience and fortitude of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
