The Magic Finger

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. ​

The Gregg family’s actions now reflect a genuine understanding of The Importance of Empathy. They feed the ducks, bury the ones they killed, and express remorse for their past actions through a renewed sense of compassion and kindness. This is a significant change from their previous behavior. The protagonist’s Magic Finger continues to play a central role in demonstrating The Power of Emotion. Her intention to use it on another family reflects her desire to teach them a lesson, though she also feels sorry for them. The narrator reappears to check in on the Greggs after their experience of living like the animals they once hunted, and her role as an observer allows her to assess their moral growth. The Greggs’ evolution from hunters to caretakers of nature signifies a profound change in their character, illustrating the impact of empathy and understanding. They change their name to “Egg” and are illustrated feeding the birds with joyful, satisfied smiles on their faces. The Greggs’ transformation into bird-like beings and their subsequent experiences demonstrate the importance of environmental conservation.

Dahl uses humor to lighten serious moments and to make important lessons easier to understand. One clear example is when Mr. Gregg announces that his family has changed their last name to “Egg.” This is funny because eggs come from birds, and the Greggs were just recently living as bird-people. However, it is also meaningful; it shows that Mr. Gregg is trying to respect birds more now. He’s no longer proud of being a hunter. Instead, he’s making a silly but sincere gesture to show he’s learned something. Dahl also uses parallelism, which means repeating a pattern or idea in a new way. The book ends the same way it began, with the narrator talking about someone who likes to hunt animals for fun. At the start, it was the Gregg family. At the end, it’s a different family, the Coopers. The narrator warns that she might have to use her Magic Finger again, saying, “They will be nesting in the trees tonight, every one of them!” (63). By repeating this idea, Dahl shows that people who do cruel things for fun may all need a lesson in the importance of empathy. This repetition with a twist doesn’t just wrap things up; it also shows that the narrator still feels strongly about protecting animals, and she’s ready to act if needed.