Daisy, a character in ‘Girl, Interrupted’, keeps chickens as a form of coping and as an expression of her desire for autonomy and connection to the natural world. The chickens represent a sense of freedom and control that Daisy struggles to maintain in her chaotic life. Living within the institution, Daisy seeks solace in the simple act of caring for the chickens, which allows her to escape the harsh realities of her environment for a moment.
Additionally, the chickens can be seen as a symbol of her mental state. They thrive within the confines of her care, much like Daisy is trying to maintain her own stability amidst the overwhelming challenges she faces. Her attachment to the chickens illustrates her need for companionship and a sense of normalcy, highlighting the themes of mental health and the quest for personal agency within the narrative. Ultimately, Daisy’s chickens serve as a poignant reminder of her struggle for identity and the small joys that can exist even in difficult circumstances.