29 pages • 58 minutes read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Background
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
Moments later, both the ducks and the Greggs change back into their original forms. The Greggs are overjoyed and watch as the four ducks fly away toward the lake. Later, the girl goes to check on the family and finds them acting very differently. Mr. Gregg is breaking his guns, Mrs. Gregg is burying the ducks they killed earlier, and the boys are feeding some birds. The Greggs hope to atone for their past actions and have learned to empathize with the natural environment.
In this section, the graves where the ducks are buried serve as powerful symbols of the Gregg family’s transformation, as well as of the consequences of their previous actions. By burying them on their own property, they create a permanent and impactful reminder of the harm done by killing and dominating the vulnerable. Mrs. Gregg tending to the graves shows a profound change in their attitudes, and the scene has a particular resonance for her: Earlier, she hoped the ducks wouldn’t shoot her children, but the mother duck pointed out that the Greggs shot her children without a second thought.
Plus, gain access to 9,250+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By these authors