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Themes
The central themes that are explored in The Birds consist of love and violence. The representation of the birds in the film constantly changes to reflect the development of these themes and the story line. At first, the lovebirds in the pet store signify the blossoming love between Melanie and Mitch and the sexual tension between the two. However, their symbolism changes once they begin to attack Bodega Bay. The chaotic nature of the birds is never explained, emphasising the senselessness of their violence. However. Hitchcock stated in an interview, that the birds switch up on the humans because they take nature for granted. So, the film shows a life where humans are being punished for their lack of appreciation.

Another theme within the film is the entrapment of civilians, as the birds attack anyone who goes outside, leaving them trapped in their own home. The entrapment for the characters is a recurring trope in many Hitchcock films.

The role of gender is also observed within the film, as Melanie can be seen as conforming against the traditional role of women. As she chases after Mitch, by writing down his number plates to find out where he lives to deliver him lovebirds. This is through the attack of the birds that strike her into submission in the famous attic scene.