In A Bird in the House, the pervasive impact of trauma on behavior and relationships is a central theme. The novel explores how trauma shapes interactions within families and across generations, influencing individuals’ connections with the world. Through Vanessa’s narrative—recalling and piecing together her family’s past—Laurence provides a nuanced view of how understanding the context behind a person’s actions leads to a more empathetic grasp of the human experience. Vanessa’s journey into her family’s history is an active attempt to recognize and mitigate traits born from trauma—such as the desire for control, selfishness, and anger—to disrupt the cycle of hurt that perpetuates when left unaddressed.

From her childhood perspective, Vanessa initially perceives her family members’ behaviors at face value. This leads to harsh judgments, especially toward her Grandfather Connor and Grandmother MacLeod. Uncle Terence’s observation that “everybody [has] his own shield in this family” (87) introduces Vanessa to the concept of defense mechanisms as a response to trauma. She learns that Grandfather Connor—who is from a generation where survival outweighed communication—struggles with emotional connection, resulting in his withdrawal and sadness when his protective efforts are misunderstood. Similarly, Grandmother MacLeod’s adherence to the past and appearances—pretending the family still possesses its former wealth—illustrates her coping strategy for dealing with loss.