Mrs. Birkbeck Character Analysis

Mrs. Birkbeck is the guidance counselor at Nashville State High School. She speaks regularly to both Eli and August, though only Eli seems willing to speak honestly with her. Eli understands that Mrs. Birkbeck means well and is just trying to help, so he tells her about the moon pool and the red telephone. She ultimately comes to visit and speak with Dad because she’s concerned that August especially might be at risk of hurting himself or committing suicide. But as Eli listens to Mrs. Birkbeck insist that it’s important for Eli to realize that his supposed dreams about the moon pool aren’t dreams at all—they’re memories—it becomes a profound moment for him. So though Eli sees Mrs. Birkbeck as being well-meaning but overstepping into something that isn’t her business, he also appreciates how she helps him make sense of his traumatic past and start to heal.