Birds of Paradise

1. With close reference to the text, compare and contrast the old Chief Rooster and the new Chief Rooster. (8m)

Similarities: 

• Both have same job 
• They are both heads of security
• Their job is to protect the chickens from the hawks

• Both have the same protocols
• They define "threatening" birds as birds who are different from chickens
• They deal with these birds by forcing them to be similar to other chickens 
• In Lani's case, it is to clip her wings

• Both have the island's best interest at heart
• They are intent on keeping the island safe

• Both are paranoid about hawks

Differences:

• The old Chief Rooster was ruthless in punishing birds that he deems are different(i.e. hawks); the new Chief Rooster was hesitant when deciding to clip Lani's wings

• The old Chief Rooster rejected any claims that there could be more than two types of birds; the new Chief Rooster conceded that there is the existence of sparrows

• The new Chief Rooster is more liberal in accepting change; the old Chief Rooster persecuted any birds for their differences

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2. We must have freedom to do whatever we want. Discuss. (12m)

First statement:

• Freedom to pursue one's passion is important for us to achieve happiness
• So long as nothing is harmed, this should be allowed

Evidence:

• Lani likes to fly and tries hard to be good at it
• Her flying causes no harm and instead, gives her as well as those who watch her joy
• The oriole and the peacock enjoy singing and prancing respectively
• Again, they cause no harm

Second statement:

• Unreasonable restrictions on what we can or cannot do may cause more harm than good

Evidence:

• The chickens on the island are well cared for by a well designed system
• However, there are many restrictions in place to preserve the aforementioned lifestyle in the name of security
• Any bird that follows un-chicken-like behavior is automatically deemed a threat(hawk)
• Those birds are tortured into submission despite doing nothing wrong which causes them great unhappiness

Third statement:

• Rigid rules stifle the progress of a community

Evidence:

• The barbaric restrictions set by the old Chief Rooster limits the progression of the society on the island until they are ignorant
• Case in point, the birds on the island are unaware that there are more types of birds than just chicken and hawks
• The birds that are not born chickens do not even know the name of their species
• Diversity is not celebrated as it should be
• Before being captured in the submarine, Lani could not appreciate the oriole and the peacock's respective skills
• Only when they started defying the restrictions set by the Chief Rooster, only did they realize their true beauty