G. HORROR
READER RESPONSE APPROACH
THE BIRD BOX
By: Josh Malerman
The sudden end of the world is for sure the most frightening thing one could ever face. However, to survive in a post-apocalyptic world without using your sense of sight is more depressing. The given situation is already hard, how much more raising children in such tragic environment. This is the major struggle faced by Malorie in the novel, The Bird Box. The need to continue fighting an unseen creature in order to live, is a battle most people cannot imagine facing.
A lot of people considers The Bird Box as one of the most intelligent pieces in the current time. This is in consonance with the article of Burke entitled “The Meaning of Bird Box/A Reflection of Modern Society” published in HPN. This novel made a clear focus on one the most unseen struggle of people, the question of mental health in the society. With more and more people suffering from anxieties and depression across the globe, this novel emphasized the misconception on people dealing with mental health issues. The representation of the unseen creature is a good metaphor into how it is perceived from those directly affected and to those who view it and how such attitudes are communicated. The idea of how an unseen force have immediate power to influence committing suicide to those who stared towards it is a huge symbolism to represent how depression could greatly affect one’s sanity. The use of blindfolds by the characters to protect themselves and survive is a great manifestation of resilience. One way to make people realize that suicide is not an option to escape the cruelty of the world. Furthermore, as the characters faced this huge dilemma of surviving, each of them is also dealing with their own personal demons. Malorie, the main character, struggled in the need to accept the fact of becoming a parent. Throughout, she called her children “boy” and “girl”. It took her some time to deal with it and embrace the world of parenthood. As such, the novel presented an issue on the fear of parenthood. This dilemma is evident in the society. A lot of people are afraid of becoming a parent not just because of its demand for changes in habits but also for the need of raising children the right way. On another note, taking a deeper look on the journey of Malorie and the kids to the school for the blind, a place they believed is safe for them portrayed how they relied solely on speech to be able to communicate and get to where they are heading. This can be associated to those who deal with depression as a sign for the need to speak up. It will be a way for them to cope with mental health issues.
At the moment, drives for mental health awareness is ongoing. The release of the novel as well as the film is of great help to make people realize that what those struggling with depression need is someone who will listen instead of someone constantly judging. As they say, you will never how it feels, unless you experience it. This should give people the realization of the need for respect and the need to promote altruism especially in this trying time.
References
Burke, K. (2019). The Meaning of Bird Box/ A Reflection of Modern Society. HPN. Retrieved from https://www.headstuff.org/entertainment/film/film-features/bird-box-meaning/
Strause, M.G. (2019). Analysis on Netflix’s “Bird Box”, a Deeper Meaning. Vagabond et Virtuosa: Los Angeles, California. Retrieved from https://medium.com/@marygabriellestrause/analysis-of-netflixs-bird-box-a-deeper-meaning-a9c93a4ec8e
Burt, K. (2018). Bird Box Review: A Story about Post-Apocalyptic Parenthood. Den of Geek. Retrieved from https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/bird-box-review-a-story-about-post-apocalyptic-parenthood/
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