A Bird in the House

The Brick House functions as a motif that represents oppression and emotional confinement, relating to the themes of The Role of Trauma in Behavior and Relationships and Reconciliation with the Past Through Memory. Described as fortress-like and synonymous with the authoritarian figure of Vanessa’s grandfather, the house contrasts with the traditional notion of a home as a nurturing, protective environment. Instead, its warmth is suffocating and oppressive, and it serves more as an emotional prison for Vanessa than a place of safety. In fact, she describes it violently, with her Grandfather decapitating the heads of flowers on the property, and notes that the building’s rooms seemed to exist “in a perpetual gloom except in the brief height of summer” (3). This emphasizes not only a lack of warmth and welcome but a lack of vibrancy and beauty, suggesting that the reality of life is not always synonymous with one’s expectations.

The material of the house—brick—is chosen for its strength, yet it’s susceptible to damage from the harsh prairie winters. This choice highlights the façade of durability that masks an underlying vulnerability, much like Grandfather Connor’s outward appearance of strength, hiding his internal strife and sadness. The only threat to the house comes from within; as it ages, the pipes catch fire. Similarly, as Grandfather Connor ages, he becomes wearier and more vulnerable. The brick house and Grandfather Connor mirror each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Grandfather Connor’s response to emotional distress is retreating to the basement or “cave,” which is metaphorical for his withdrawal into himself as he faces rejection from his family, seeking refuge in a womblike space for comfort.

By the end of the book, Vanessa’s return to the house and her pain upon seeing it neglected by new owners reflect her personal growth and her journey toward healing. Her emotional response—“I had not thought it would hurt me to see it in other hands, but it did" (207)—marks a shift from feeling trapped to recognizing and confronting her past, highlighting the theme of Reconciliation with the Past Through Memory. This change in perception shows her understanding of her grandfather, his motivations, and their shared traits.

Grandmother MacLeod’s reference to her son Roderick as “Roderick Dhu,” drawn from Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake, serves as an ironic symbol; it relates to the theme of The Role of Trauma in Behavior and Relationships, and it highlights how individuals use narratives and fantasies as a coping mechanism. This allusion to a character who embodies both heroism and the brutal realities of Highland tribal conflict ironically underscores the disparity between idealized tales of valor and the often grim realities of war.

The tragic irony of her son’s less-than-heroic death in World War I juxtaposes the grandeur of the Scottish epic with the brutal truth of modern warfare, illustrating the destructive power of holding onto outdated ideals of heroism. This disparity emphasizes the psychological trauma that such idealizations can inflict on those who feel compelled to live up to impossible standards, affecting not only those who go to war but also the family members who remain behind.

This is further examined during a conversation between Vanessa and her love interest, Michael, as they discuss her favorite poem. This occurs against the backdrop of Vanessa reading the casualty list of the local boys who enlisted with the “Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders” (196), a name that resonates with historical valor and bravery. Michael’s skepticism about modern heroism prompts Vanessa to question the very concept of heroism itself. She reflects:

I don’t believe there ever were [...] They were just there, too, and before they knew it, there wasn’t any way to get out. Like the clansmen at Culloden. Or Ulysses’ spearmen. Maybe even Ulysses, if he ever existed (197).

Vanessa’s insight challenges the notion of heroism as a tangible quality, highlighting how generational myths shape our understanding of identity. Laurence critiques the glorification of war and heroism, using it to comment on the role of trauma in constructing narratives.

The Attar of the Roses perfume symbolizes defense mechanisms and the necessity of shields to protect one’s vulnerabilities. Aunt Edna and Beth use the perfume to mask the smell of cigarette smoke from Grandfather Connor, reflecting their need to conceal their actions to maintain peace within the household. The scent, described as “sweet and heavy,” covers the smoke but also symbolizes the broader themes of The Role of Trauma in Behavior and Relationships and The Tyranny of Life. When Beth expresses concern that they are teaching Vanessa deception, Edna argues, “No, just preservation” (20), reinforcing the idea that disguising one’s true self is necessary for survival.

The Attar of the Roses perfume was given to Aunt Edna by Jimmy Lorimer, a figure from Edna’s past whom she loved but never fully opened up to. The gift suggests that Jimmy contributed to the emotional barriers Edna constructs. This interpretation is reinforced by Grandfather Connor’s disparagement of Jimmy, whom he labels a “blood-sucker” due to his association with the “Reliable Loan Company.” This term not only casts Jimmy in a negative light but also implies a deeper, metaphorical draining of emotional resources.

Grandfather Connor’s criticism often proves accurate, suggesting that his judgment of Jimmy might hold truth, especially when considering Jimmy’s actions; after professing a desire to be with Aunt Edna, he marries another woman, hinting that he might have been entertaining options or quickly settled with someone else upon his return. This swift marital decision can be seen as a betrayal of his intentions with Edna, substantiating her reasons for emotional caution and the development of her defenses, symbolized by the Attar of the Roses.