1. Serenity: The ducks are described as "white geese" that "float on the water like white chips." Their presence adds an element of peacefulness and serenity to the tropical lagoon, which is otherwise described as a place of lush greenery and vibrant wildlife.
2. Contrast and Isolation: The ducks stand in contrast to the bustling and mysterious life within the lagoon. While the ducks seem to drift calmly on the water, the narrator hints at the hidden dangers beneath the surface, symbolizing the contrast between the tranquil appearance and the underlying turmoil. The isolation of the ducks also reflects the solitary nature of the main character, Arsat.
3. Symbolic Meaning: The ducks serve as a symbolic representation of the characters in the story. Just as the ducks float along, drifting with the currents, so too do the characters find themselves caught up in the currents of their own passions and desires, unable to fully control their fates.
4. Arsat's Connection: The ducks are particularly associated with Arsat, the main character. He mentions their presence several times, often when reflecting on his own troubled past. The ducks may represent Arsat's sense of longing and nostalgia for a simpler time when he was less burdened by the complications of life.
Overall, the ducks in the lagoon symbolize serenity, contrast, symbolic representation of characters, and a connection to Arsat's inner state of mind. Their presence adds depth and richness to the story's themes of love, loss, and human nature.