Descriptions of birds throughout the novel highlight a theme of danger and survival. Kingsolver illustrates the more abstract meaning of danger with a simile. She paints the image of a bird scared out of safety, in reference to Esperanza. People with depression often rely on a sense of numbness to face the day, whether that be self medication, cutting, or other unhealthy habits. To leave that state of numbness and let yourself feel is a terrifying thing to do. Esperanza is no different. This conversation forces Esperanza to leave safety, and begin to face her problems. Another prominent example of the meaning of birds in The Bean Trees is the bird in the cactus. A cactus is a strange and perilous place to live, yet Kingsolver chose to create