The Birds

The prevalence of birds is widely seen throughout The Poisonwood Bible. Whether it be seen in the owls that eat souls or Methuselah, birds symbolize the Price family themselves. On page 158, Ruth May says that her "Mama says birds are going to be her death." Though said in the context of owls eating souls of the dead, Orleanna's quote seems to be more about Methuselah. After being trapped for years, the bird has lost the muscles, skills, and instinct needed to survive in the wild on its own, much like the Price family themselves: Orleanna especially. Though she grew up free and ready to take chanced, she fell victim to confinement when she met and married Nathan. Independent in her youth, Orleanna desired freedom despite the harsh grip Nathan now has on her actions, speech, and every other part of her life. She is forced into a housewife role that she did not desire or fit in, but continued to endure for the sake of her children. Orleanna is trapped, both by Nathan's dictatorship and the oppressive views of women at that time. Similarly, Methuselah was free until captured by Brother Fowles. Though fed and cared for at the beginning, much like in Orleanna's marriage with Nathan, Methuselah grew week and dependent on his owner. He was freed, but still depends on others to survive. Though both Orleanna and Methuselah were once free, they now depend on their respective "owners" to survive. Rather than fighting for freedom, they were lured by false promises that stripped their individuality and independence, resulting in their hallowed shell of a life.