"Input" could be a parody of business/economic jargon: the idea that the fish's death is as predictable as the raw materials and resources required for a finished product.
Barthelme's stories are often parodies of something else, and he constantly plays with the meanings of words or otherwise attempts to subvert the reader's expectations through extensive non-sequitur. In other words, he writes many passages that are, like this one, intentionally absurd.
It's unclear what "numbers" refers to, but possibly old school slang for a person or thing.
That helped a lot! Thank you.
"Input" could be a parody of business/economic jargon: the idea that the fish's death is as predictable as the raw materials and resources required for a finished product.
Wrong place
What place would you deem fit, kind stranger?
Barthelme's stories are often parodies of something else, and he constantly plays with the meanings of words or otherwise attempts to subvert the reader's expectations through extensive non-sequitur. In other words, he writes many passages that are, like this one, intentionally absurd.
Yes, and "number" is slang for "bloke". The original name of the group The Who was The High Numbers (wink wink).
Thank you! That helped me.