An Answer to Life's Most Puzzling Question: Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk?

 

 

This is a riddle posed by the Mad Hatter in Alice and Wonderland. I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I think I’ve got it.

 

1.      Poe wrote on one and about the other.

2.      Both have a prime number of syllables.

3.      Both can fly…briefly.

4.      Neither one is a good swimmer.

5.      Both operate more efficiently when they are right side up.

6.      Neither one can speak Yiddish.

7.      Both are unsuitable replacements for bicycles.

8.      It is a bad idea to use either one as a parachute.

9.      If you hit one with your car, it makes a big mess.

10.  A group of ravens is called an unkindness. If you drop a group of ravens on your neighbor, you are giving him an unkindness. A group of writing desks is called a group of writing desks. But, if you drop a group of writing desks on your neighbor, you are giving him an unkindness.

 

                                     ...Bingo.