Final answer:
The question pertains to the literary analysis of avian symbolism representing emotions like sorrow and loss, as seen in the provided excerpts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The line "And she cried out a sharp, piercing cry like a bird come back to an empty nest, peering into its bed, and all the babies gone" expresses profound sadness and loss, reminiscent of literature or a narrative in which characters experience deep emotional moments. This line, along with the other provided excerpts, conjures imagery of birds and their nests, which is a common motif in literature to symbolize various aspects of the human condition, such as parenthood, care, loss, and sorrow. These excerpts suggest that the student is studying literary analysis or interpretation, specifically focusing on the use of avian symbolism to convey themes and emotions.