What of This Goldfish Would You Wish?

"What of This Goldfish Would You Wish?" is a captivating and thought-provoking short story written by Russian-American author Etgar Keret. Published in 1998, the story takes readers on a journey through the life of a struggling writer, Yoni, who encounters a magical goldfish that grants him three wishes. Set against the backdrop of a politically charged and conflicted society, the story delves into themes of desire, morality, and the consequences of one's choices.

Yoni, the protagonist, is a struggling writer living in a small apartment in Tel Aviv, Israel.

He wrestles with the challenges of his writing career, facing constant rejection and financial hardships. One day, while walking along the beach, Yoni discovers a goldfish that appears to be floating on its side in a plastic bag filled with water. He saves the fish and is surprised to find that it can speak to him.

The goldfish introduces itself as Sergei and reveals that it possesses the power to grant Yoni three wishes.

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However, there's a catch: Yoni has only an hour to make his wishes. The urgency of the situation forces Yoni to quickly contemplate his desires and the implications of his choices.

Yoni's first wish is to publish a story in the literary magazine, "Pushcart Prize." This wish represents his longing for recognition and validation as a writer. However, the quick fulfillment of this wish has unexpected consequences. Yoni's story is published in the magazine, but the editor changes the ending to something far from Yoni's original intent. This alteration compromises the integrity of his work, leaving Yoni feeling disillusioned and betrayed by the literary establishment.

The second wish Yoni makes is for peace in the Middle East. This wish reflects the complexity of the political and social landscape in Israel, where the story is set. Yoni's genuine desire for peace highlights the hope and yearning for harmony in a region plagued by conflict and tension. However, the realization of this wish brings a surreal twist to the story. The entire world is engulfed in a peaceful utopia, but Yoni is excluded from it. He becomes an outsider, unable to connect with others or find meaning in a world devoid of conflict and struggle.

Yoni's final wish is for Sergei, the goldfish, to be happy. This wish comes from a place of empathy and compassion, showing Yoni's concern for the well-being of others. However, the fulfillment of this wish comes with a poignant lesson. Sergei, the goldfish, explains that he is a creature of the sea and cannot survive outside of it. Yoni's wish condemns Sergei to a life of captivity in a bowl, unable to return to the ocean he longs for.

Throughout the story, Yoni grapples with the consequences of his wishes and the moral implications of his desires. The goldfish serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of wishes and the dangers of impulsivity. Yoni's decisions, though made with good intentions, have unintended and often tragic consequences, highlighting the complexities of human desires and the need for thoughtful consideration.

"What of This Goldfish Would You Wish?" invites readers to reflect on the nature of wishes and the underlying motivations behind them. It challenges the notion of wish fulfillment as a straightforward path to happiness and urges readers to consider the broader implications of their desires. The story also delves into themes of identity and belonging, as Yoni grapples with his place in society and his longing for recognition and acceptance.

Etgar Keret's storytelling prowess shines through in this poignant and imaginative tale. Through Yoni's encounters with the magical goldfish, the story transcends the boundaries of reality and delves into the depths of human emotions and desires. It prompts readers to question the choices they make, the things they wish for, and the true meaning of happiness and contentment.

In conclusion, "What of This Goldfish Would You Wish?" is a beautifully crafted and introspective short story that explores the complexities of human desires and the consequences of wish fulfillment. Etgar Keret's skillful storytelling weaves together themes of desire, morality, and identity, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and contemplation. The story serves as a poignant reminder to approach our wishes with mindfulness and compassion, as the fulfillment of our desires may come at a cost we never anticipated. Ultimately, Yoni's encounters with the goldfish lead him to a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him, leaving readers with profound insights into the nature of human existence.

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