Summary
A stranger humorously quizzes the narrator on the collective noun for ducks while they watch the birds eat lettuce.
Abstract
In the short story "A Murder of Ducks" by Gustave Deresse, a brief encounter on a park bench leads to a playful exchange about the collective nouns for ducks. The narrator is surprised by a stranger's whisper about offering whole leaf lettuce to the ducks, which prompts the question, "Is it a ‘murder’ of ducks?" The narrator confidently corrects the stranger, stating that the correct term is a "paddling" of ducks, and they share a moment of camaraderie as they observe the ducks enjoying their meal. The story is a light-hearted exploration of language and shared knowledge, set against the peaceful backdrop of nature.
Opinions
“Tonight,” the voice whispers, “you get whole leaf.” Amused by my jolt, the stranger smirks, faces me on the bench, and asks lightly, “Is it a ‘murder’ of ducks?”
I know this! “Nah,” I say, “it’s a ‘paddling’.” I grin; we nod at one another. The ducks devour the lettuce.
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