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Nat’s wife remains unnamed throughout the narrative, which suggests that her character traits and tendencies are indicative of the larger civilian population. She repeatedly downplays the danger the birds pose and criticizes Nat for taking steps to protect the family. More alarmingly, Nat’s wife continues to ignore the danger even after the birds’ behavior shows they are clearly attacking humans. This reluctancy to recognize their peril hints at a dangerous lack of imagination within Nat’s wife. Her denial also reveals a cognitive dissonance. If birds really are attacking humanity, then she will need to mobilize to help stop them. However, she fears losing her simple, uncomplicated life. 

Rather than accept the reality of this inevitable disruption, Nat’s wife finds it easier to convince herself the danger doesn’t exist. These same dynamics and tendencies play out in the population as a whole. The newscaster treats the threat as an amusement. Mr. Trigg thinks he can defend himself with his gun. Mrs. Trigg can’t even take the idea of birds attacking the Hocken cottage seriously. All of these people share Nat’s wife’s lack of imagination. The story takes place entirely from Nat’s point of view, on and around his property in a remote area, so his wife’s actions can be viewed as a stand-in for what’s happening across England with the broader civilian population. Her lack of imagination and slowness to adapt foreshadows trouble ahead in England’s war against the birds.

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