# The Decoy-Duck explained — The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

> Chapter companion for The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf.

## What happens

Jarro, a duck rescued by humans, is used as a decoy to lure other birds for hunting. After causing the deaths of three ducks, he warns others away, but becomes deeply unhappy. Nils, in a grebe-nest, frees Jarro, and Caesar the dog lets him go, acknowledging he is too good to be a decoy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Confinement

Jarro is physically confined by the halter and morally confined by his role as a decoy, until Nils sets him free.

### Humanity and Compassion

Nils's rescue of Jarro and Caesar's eventual mercy highlight compassion over exploitation.

### Redemption and Moral Education

Jarro learns to resist his role as a decoy, and Caesar chooses to let him go, showing moral growth.

## Character check-ins

### Jarro

A duck rescued by humans, used as a decoy, then freed by Nils.

### Caesar

The dog who initially guards Jarro but ultimately releases him.

### Nils Holgersson

The tiny boy who frees Jarro from the halter.

## Key lines

> The human beings had only saved him that they might use him as a decoy-duck.

The humans rescued Jarro solely to exploit him as a lure for hunting.

_Jarro realizes the betrayal of his rescuers._

> If you are just as honourable as you look, surely you cannot wish to force a good bird to sit here and entice others into trouble.

If you are as noble as you appear, you wouldn't force a good bird to lure others to harm.

_Nils appeals to Caesar's sense of honor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters/the-decoy-duck
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_adventures_of_nils_se/chapters