Bird Box

As the protagonist of Bird Box, Malorie faces the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood while the world around her descends into chaos. Prior to the onset of the Problem, Malorie leads a normal life; she and her sister Shannon are described as “popular, intelligent women” (12). Though Malorie shows resourcefulness early on, as when she acts quickly to find shelter following Shannon’s death, she is plagued by self-doubt regarding the best way to respond to the Problem as well as her capacity as a parent. In the months leading up to the birth of her son, Malorie looks on with awe as Tom and the others make plans and take risks to improve their lives. Under Tom’s encouragement, Malorie practices asserting herself and acting as a leader; her issuing commands to the other housemates on one occasion when Tom is out of the house causes them to look at her “like she’s a stranger” (173). Following Tom’s death and the births of the children, Malorie continues the work Tom started, even driving miles in the car without vision to obtain audio equipment.

By the novel’s conclusion, Malorie’s fears and uncertainties begin to give way. Witnessing the children’s skill and resourcefulness throughout the journey, she takes pride in them and in her role in their development: “She is stronger now.