“There is a legend about a bird which sings just once in its life,
more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the
moment it leaves the nest it searches for a thorn tree, and does not
rest until it has found one. Then, singing among the savage branches, it
impales itself upon the longest, sharpest spine. And, dying, it rises
above its own agony to outcarol the lark and the nightingale. One
superlative song, existence the price. But the whole world stills to
listen, and God in His heaven smiles. For the best is only bought at the
cost of great pain… Or so says the legend.”
--Colleen McCullough,
The Thorn Birds
Assignment: Please reflect on the above quote from
The Thorn Birds. How do you interpret this legend? How does it apply to your own life? Is there anything worth giving up everything for? I'm looking for at least a 500 word response; take this in any direction you want. This legend can be applied to practically anything in life, so I want to see what you make of it.
To view a clip from
The Thorn Birds featuring this legend, click the picture below.
