Themes: Symbolism and Sacrifice
When Miranda instructs George to locate the hen's nest, he dismisses her guidance as "mumbo jumbo." What Miranda asks of George appears more symbolic than practical; by merging the ledger and cane, both inherited from strong men, with the eggs that play a key role in many of Miranda's mystical rituals, he combines male and female elements. George, who is afraid of chickens, must confront both his fear and his skepticism. Miranda's warning that the hen might behave "evil"—a term referring to the hen's bad temper—leads the hen to symbolize evil itself. However, the hen's attack becomes the breaking point for George. Unable to understand what Miranda truly expects, possibly just to follow her guidance and believe in something greater than himself, he becomes furious at the hen's assault and ultimately crushes the hen's skull.
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Themes: Restoring Family Balance and Gender Roles
Themes: Love, Faith, and Destruction