What impact does the author’s use of the diary as her narrative structure have on readers’ understanding of events? How might that change if the book were written from different points of view?

Birds are used to symbolize various ideas throughout the book in complex ways. What is the significance of Catherine’s nickname beyond the simple fact that she keeps birds in her chamber?

While the central conflict of the book is Birdy’s outright refusal then overwhelmed reluctance to marry, there isn’t really a plot in the traditional sense. Instead, readers get an account of daily events. What impact does this lack of plot have on your understanding of the story?