Bioshock Infinite: The Character Of The Songbird

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By now the subjects and themes of Bioshock Infinite have been discussed to death. Talks and articles have ranged from its presentation of religious zealotry, faith, class war, probability and even basic design choice; but one aspect of the world people have overlooked is the Songbird itself. Analysis have spoken about what it represents to Columbia, its role in Elizabeth’s life and the effectiveness of its brief appearances, but not what it resembles. Not its identity as a character.

The Bioshock universe has always made use of dark parallels and opposites to contrast with its preceding games. We saw this with Sofia Lamb and Andrew Ryan, the Great Chain and The Family and even the basic settings themselves in the first games. This was only taken further in Infinite with a new spin on the class war aspects of the original game which were only briefly covered, often with more emphasis placed upon the plasmids. Unlike Fontaine, Fitzroy believed whole heartedly in her cause and even despite her desires for improving life for the downtrodden was easily as much of a monster.

So what did the Songbird mirror? Many have said the Big Daddies. Due to its design, adaptation to its environment, sheer raw power and relationship with Elizabeth, it’s very easy to see parallels between the two. Especially when you take into account its role in protecting Elizabeth, someone vital to Columbia’s survival and special to the city’s ruler. Just as the Little Sisters were in Rapture. However, I don’t think it mirrors Big Daddies as a whole. I think it mirrored one specific member of their kind.

I think it mirrored Subject Delta.