The creatures, and the aftereffects of their appearance within Bird Box, are emblematic of existential threats to human civilization. The safe house at Riverbridge constitutes a microcosm of society at large, allowing Malerman to chart the transition from a healthy, functional society to one that crumbles through division.

When Malorie first arrives at the house, she finds a peaceful, harmonious environment. Though not everyone agrees on everything, decisions are made by vote, and those decisions are respected. Disagreements, when they occur, are discussed openly and civilly, while tasks and responsibilities are shared equally. As the de facto leader of the group, Tom earns others’ respect by working hard to improve life in the house. Notably, when Tom leaves to search for guide dogs, his absence has a destabilizing effect: “Tom was gone a day and a half and we almost came to blows,” Malorie reflects upon his return (116).

Malorie’s sense of a growing divide among the housemates intensifies after Gary arrives and tells his fabricated story. Shortly thereafter, Gary makes a comment to Malorie that is ironic considering subsequent events:

In the house I came from, no such courtesies [as voting] were extended.