What of this goldfish would you wish

Question

How does the motif of wishing apply to each of the story's major characters: Yoni, Sergei, and the goldfish? What is similar and different about their wishes?

Answer 1

Yoni's wish was to be an acclaimed documentarian. He had what he thought was a brilliant idea, with a magical talking goldfish to lead his way. He had a small budget to make this film, and he was certain he could find a buyer. He imagined the subjects of his film would desire a bit more money as well. He was, in a sense, fishing for gold. Still, he was curious about other people and wanted to talk to them.

Sergei, as it turned out, did not want riches. Yet he had a hidden heart of gold — and a secret goldfish. Unlike Yoni, he was suspicious of strangers but would go to great lengths to help those he knew in their time of need. He gave up two precious wishes for them and in return lost the woman he loved. Now he was lonely and was content only to have a friend, even if his companion lived in a bowl. If he asked for one more wish, he would lose that too.

The goldfish didn't necessarily want Sergei's companionship. He wanted to use Sergei's wishes so he could finally be free. To him, freedom was worth more than any money or friendship. He was a clever goldfish and knew Sergei well: "You murdered someone—but you're not a murderer." In the end, he was wisest of them all.