“The narrator blames the birds. And you want to blame the birds as well. I blamed the birds for a long time. But in this story everyone is hungry, even the birds. And at this point in the story so many things have gone wrong, so many bad decisions made, that it’s a wonder anyone would want to continue reading.”
Quote Analysis: Richard Siken on Blaming the Birds
In this quote, Richard Siken discusses the concept of blaming the birds, reflecting on the idea of finding a scapegoat for one's own misfortunes or mistakes. He points out that in the story he is referencing, everyone is suffering, including the birds, highlighting the pervasive nature of hunger and struggle. Siken also touches on the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity, acknowledging the temptation to give up when everything seems to be going wrong.
The Never-Ending Cycle of Blame and Accountability
In this quote by Richard Siken, the idea of blame is explored in the context of a story where everyone is hungry and things have gone terribly wrong. This theme of blaming others for our problems and the cyclical nature of bad decisions remain relevant in today's society.
Analysis of Quote
In this passage, Richard Siken explores the theme of blame and responsibility in storytelling. The narrator's tendency to blame the birds for the characters' misfortunes reflects a common human instinct to find a scapegoat for our own troubles. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that blame is a complex and multifaceted issue. The quote highlights the interconnectedness of characters' actions and the consequences they face, ultimately challenging the reader to reconsider their assumptions about causality.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote by Richard Siken, the idea of blame and hunger are intertwined with the theme of adversity and the consequences of our actions. As you reflect on these words, consider the following questions:
- How do you typically assign blame when things go wrong in your own life?
- Are there moments where you have felt like the hungry birds in the story, struggling to survive amidst difficult circumstances?
- Have you ever reached a point where so many things have gone wrong that you questioned whether it was worth continuing on your current path?
- How do you cope with the challenges and bad decisions that inevitably come your way in life?
- What lessons can be learned from this quote about resilience, accepting responsibility, and moving forward despite hardships?
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