The story “What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?” by Etgar Keret explores human nature through a filmmaker’s documentary about a talking goldfish granting three wishes, revealing desires and moral dilemmas.
Background and Premise
The story “What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?” by Etgar Keret revolves around a filmmaker named Yonatan, who conceptualizes a documentary by asking people what they would wish for if they found a talking goldfish that could grant three wishes. This premise serves as a catalyst to explore human desires, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of decision-making. The narrative unfolds as Yonatan films individuals sharing their wishes, revealing their deepest aspirations and fears. The goldfish, a magical yet enigmatic figure, symbolizes the power of choice and its consequences. The story blends humor with philosophical depth, offering a unique perspective on human nature through its absurd and poignant premise.
Plot Summary
The story centers on Yonatan, a filmmaker creating a documentary by asking people what they would wish for if they found a talking goldfish that could grant three wishes. As he films various individuals, their responses reveal their deepest desires and fears. The narrative shifts when Yonatan encounters Sergei, an elderly man who becomes angered by the filmmaker’s persistence. The goldfish, a magical figure, attempts to persuade Sergei to make a wish, implying his actions have had a profound impact, though he is not inherently malicious. The story explores the complexities of human decision-making and the consequences of one’s choices, blending absurdity with profound introspection.
Main Characters
The story features three central characters: Yonatan, a young Israeli filmmaker, Sergei, an elderly man, and the talking goldfish. Yonatan is driven by his creative vision, filming people’s wishes for his documentary, which often leads to tense interactions. Sergei, initially hostile, is compelled by the goldfish to confront his past actions. The talking goldfish serves as a catalyst, granting wishes and influencing the characters’ decisions. Each character embodies unique traits, with Yonatan’s persistence, Sergei’s moral conflict, and the goldfish’s enigmatic presence shaping the narrative.
Themes and Motifs in the Story
The story explores themes of human desire, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of wishes. It delves into the complexities of choice and the essence of humanity, blending humor with philosophical depth.
The Nature of Wishes
The story delves into the nature of wishes, exploring how individuals perceive and prioritize their desires. Through the premise of a talking goldfish granting three wishes, the narrative reveals the complexity of human longing. While some characters wish for material wealth or fame, others seek emotional fulfillment or resolution of past regrets. The goldfish’s ability to grant wishes serves as a catalyst for introspection, forcing characters to confront their true desires and the potential consequences of their choices. This motif underscores the idea that wishes, though seemingly simple, often reflect deeper human needs and the moral dilemmas that accompany them. The story thus challenges readers to consider what they would wish for and why.
Moral Dilemmas and Ethical Choices
The story raises profound questions about moral dilemmas and ethical choices through the interactions between characters and the talking goldfish. Sergei, the elderly man, faces a critical moral decision when the goldfish confronts him about his past actions, forcing him to grapple with guilt and redemption. The filmmaker, Yonatan, also encounters ethical challenges as he intrudes into strangers’ lives, blurring the line between documentation and exploitation. The narrative highlights how the promise of wishes often leads to difficult choices, revealing the complexity of human morality. By exploring these dilemmas, the story challenges readers to reflect on their own ethical boundaries and the consequences of their desires.
The Human Condition
The story delves into the human condition by exploring universal desires, hopes, and flaws through the lens of the talking goldfish’s ability to grant wishes. Sergei’s interaction with the goldfish reveals his inner turmoil and the weight of his past, while Yonatan’s documentary project exposes the diverse aspirations of ordinary people. The goldfish acts as a mirror, reflecting humanity’s complexity, from selfish desires to profound moral reflections. The narrative highlights how individuals grapple with their choices, showcasing the duality of human nature—its capacity for both good and evil. Through this, Keret underscores the essence of human existence: the relentless pursuit of meaning and the ethical dilemmas that accompany it.
Symbols and Metaphors
The goldfish symbolizes deeper themes, such as the human condition and wish fulfillment, while the three wishes serve as a metaphor for the complexity of desire and ethics.
The Goldfish as a Symbol
The goldfish in Etgar Keret’s story serves as a powerful symbol, representing both the simplicity and complexity of human desires. It embodies the idea of wish fulfillment, yet its presence also highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise when such power is bestowed. The goldfish’s ability to grant three wishes symbolizes the finite nature of opportunities and the weight of decision-making. Additionally, it reflects the human tendency to seek external solutions to internal struggles, often revealing deeper truths about individuals’ values and priorities. Through the goldfish, Keret explores the contrast between the mundane and the extraordinary, using it as a catalyst to uncover the essence of human nature.
The Documentary as a Narrative Device
In What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?, the documentary serves as a narrative device to explore human desires and ethical dilemmas. Yonatan, the filmmaker, uses the premise of a talking goldfish granting three wishes to engage people and uncover their deepest aspirations. This structure allows the story to delve into diverse perspectives, revealing how individuals prioritize their desires. The documentary format also creates a sense of realism, making the surreal elements of the goldfish more relatable. By focusing on ordinary people’s responses, the narrative highlights the complexity of human nature, transforming the documentary into a mirror of societal values and personal ethics. This approach makes the story both engaging and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on their own wishes and choices.
The Concept of Three Wishes
The story revolves around the concept of three wishes, symbolizing the human desire for control and fulfillment. The talking goldfish, capable of granting three wishes, serves as a catalyst for exploring the depths of human aspiration. This limitation forces characters to prioritize their desires, revealing their true values and priorities. The three wishes also represent the complexity of decision-making, as characters grapple with moral, emotional, and practical implications. Keret uses this concept to highlight the paradox of choice, where even limitless possibilities can lead to uncertainty and regret. The three wishes thus become a metaphor for the human condition, emphasizing the struggle to balance personal desires with ethical responsibility.
Character Analysis
The story delves into the complexities of its characters, including Yonatan, the ambitious filmmaker, Sergei, the emotionally charged elderly man, and the enigmatic talking goldfish.
Yonatan: The Filmmaker
Yonatan, the young Israeli filmmaker, is the driving force behind the documentary concept that shapes the story. His idea to ask people what they would wish for if they found a talking goldfish reveals his curiosity about human nature. With a small camera in hand, he approaches strangers, capturing their raw reactions and desires. Yonatan’s passion for storytelling often leads him to push boundaries, as seen in his insistence on filming Sergei despite the tension it creates. His character represents the intersection of creativity and intrusion, raising questions about the ethical limits of documentary filmmaking. Through Yonatan’s lens, the story explores the complexities of human wishes and the moral dilemmas they entail.
Sergei: The Elderly Man
Sergei, an elderly man, is a central figure in the story whose encounter with the talking goldfish reveals his complex and troubled past. The goldfish accuses him of murder, yet Sergei is portrayed as a man who is not inherently malicious but has been shaped by circumstances. His interaction with the goldfish and filmmaker Yonatan highlights his internal struggles and moral dilemmas. Sergei’s character serves as a reflection of human frailty and the ethical choices people face in life. His story adds depth to the narrative, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the Nature of wishes.
The Talking Goldfish
The talking goldfish is a magical and pivotal element in the story, serving as both a catalyst for the plot and a symbol of deeper themes. It possesses the ability to grant three wishes, which sparks curiosity and moral dilemmas among the characters. The goldfish’s dialogue reveals its wisdom and insight, as it challenges Sergei about his past actions, accusing him of murder. This interaction highlights the goldfish’s role as a truth-teller and a mirror to the characters’ souls. Its presence drives the narrative forward, forcing individuals to confront their desires and ethical choices. The goldfish’s enigmatic nature adds a layer of surrealism, making it a memorable and central figure in the story.
Reception and Impact
The story received critical acclaim for its humorous and surreal take on human desires. It became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions on morality and wish-making.
Critical Response
Critics praised “What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?” for its unique blend of humor and philosophical depth. The story’s absurd premise, combined with its exploration of human desires and moral dilemmas, resonated deeply with readers. Reviewers highlighted Keret’s ability to craft relatable characters and situations, even within a surreal framework. The narrative’s concise yet impactful structure was also commended, with many noting how its brevity enhanced its emotional resonance. The story’s ability to provoke thought about the nature of wishes and their consequences earned it a place as one of Keret’s most memorable works, solidifying its reputation as a modern literary gem.
Popularity and Cultural Significance
“What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?” has gained significant popularity for its unique blend of absurdity and emotional depth. The story’s exploration of universal themes, such as desire and morality, has resonated with readers worldwide. Its concise yet impactful narrative has made it a favorite in literary circles and classrooms. The story’s cultural significance lies in its ability to provoke reflection on human nature, transcending cultural boundaries. It has been widely translated and adapted, further cementing its place in contemporary literature. The story’s enduring appeal highlights Keret’s skill in crafting relatable yet thought-provoking tales, making it a memorable and influential work in modern storytelling.
Reader and Audience Reception
“What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?” has captivated readers with its unique blend of humor, absurdity, and emotional depth. The story’s concise yet impactful narrative has made it a favorite among both casual readers and scholars. Its ability to explore complex human desires and dilemmas in a surreal context resonates widely, appealing to diverse audiences. The story’s popularity is evident in its inclusion in educational curricula and literary anthologies, where it sparks meaningful discussions about morality and wish-fulfillment. Readers praise its ability to balance light-hearted moments with profound introspection, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. Its universal themes ensure its continued relevance and appeal across cultures and generations.
