a. The pigeons are unrelated to the theme; they are simply the old man’s hobby.

b. This story is about pigeons entirely.

c. The pigeons are a metaphor for the grandfather’s loved ones.

d. The pigeons are more important to the grandfather than his granddaughter is.

a. He was getting tired of it.

b. He now had absolute certainty that it would return.

c. He needed all the birds out so he could clean out the dovecote.

d. He will be sad, but he will eventually adjust to his granddaughter leaving.

a. He is able to control his granddaughter but not his pigeons.

b. He is able to control his pigeons but not his granddaughter.

c. He is able to control both his pigeons and his granddaughter.

d. Trying to control loved ones has nothing to do with the theme of this story.

a. Lonely old people should not live with their families.

b. It’s a natural rite of passage for young people to move away and become independent.

c. Keeping birds in the backyard should be outlawed.

d. Be wary of boyfriends who give pigeons as gifts.