Duck and Oyster by James McIntyre
A duck, thriving on fishing, desires to eat an oyster and dives to catch one. It finds a large oyster that closes its shell on the duck's bill, trapping its head underwater. The duck struggles but ultimately drowns, while the oyster drags along smaller oysters. As the duck floats to shore, a shyster observes the scene, eager to cook the duck and oysters. The duck's attempt to conquer the oyster leads to its demise, illustrating the consequences of underestimating an opponent and the perils of greed. The narrative highlights themes of ambition, the unpredictability of nature, and the idea that one can lose everything in pursuit of a single desire. The duck's fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreaching and the inevitability of consequences when one fails to recognize the strength of their adversaries.
By James McIntyre · First published 2021 · Genre: Poetry, Fable, Children's Literature · 481 words
First lines
Once on a time there lived a duck, And by its fishing it did thrive;
So one day it longed to suck An oyster and for one did dive.
What this Textopian page supports
Duck and Oyster is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 2021 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 2021 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fable, Children's Literature, Humor, Allegory
- Length: 481 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Duck and Oyster by James McIntyre
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson through the story of the duck and the oyster, characteristic of fables.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and whimsical characters make it suitable for a young audience.
- Humor — The absurdity of the duck's situation and the playful tone contribute to a humorous reading experience.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humorous Poetry · Satirical Poetry · Food-Themed Poetry · Animal-Themed Poetry · Literary Satire · Social Commentary · Irony · Wordplay · Rhyming Verse