Du Maurier's Short Story 'The Birds'

Many people around the world are taught from a young age lying is wrong. If people lie, negativity usually follows closely behind, but, for the greater good, lying could be considered acceptable. In the short story “The Birds” by du Maurier, the main character Nat Hocken repeatedly lied to his family because the children were too young to understand, the family needed to remain calm, and to help them retain their sanity during this grave time. Nat wants to ensure his family’s safety, and he knows he must give the illusion of calmness to his family. His main concern are his two children, Jill and Johnny, both far too young to understand the situation they are in. Jill and Johnny are both very young and ignorant to this apocalypse they must grow and develop in. First, when Nat retrieves Jill from her bus stop, she doesn't understand why her father is pushing her to the safety of her home. This results in her crying. Next, the children aren't old enough to understand death and that people are dying; Nat must shield them from that. Finally, he wants them to be happy and have a wholesome childhood, he lies to them to preserve what little happiness is left in the world. the family needed to remain calm in the apocalypse they were witnessing if they

the avian menace. Nat knew he must preserve their family’s calmness and sanity. First, Nat tells his family the Triggs have gone away to be with friends when, in all reality, the Triggs had died in a vain attempt to survive. Secondly, he remains hopeful in rescue, occasionally referring to the military and their efforts to thwart the enemy. Finally, he makes sure that his family is sheltered, fed, and happy although the world is crumbling around them. Nat is shown several times to remain cool and collected, this is another vital strategy he had used to help his