Matthew P. answered • 02/27/23
10+yrs HS Teacher ELA, VBJ, THR for Tutoring and Mentoring
One important detail in this piece is how the fish represents Sergei’s longing for companionship. He holds onto the fish, after using the first two wishes, in order to cling to some semblance of happiness or contentment with the fish as his companion.
Another important detail of this piece is to recognize the sadness of Sergei’s existence. He lives alone and in isolation. He values his family and saves his sister with his first wish and also saves the child of a romantic interest with his second wish. In doing good for others, he feels fulfillment. However, he still remains alone. This causes him suffering and leads to his hoarding the fish.
You may also note the abstract structure of the piece, which ties the story back to its origin and leaves the reader with the understanding that Sergei had ultimately sacrificed his final wish to save another life. This creates a cyclic feel to the overall narrative and reinforces the dramatic nature of the choice which needed to be made. By swinging back at the end, the resolve is cleverly tied back to the story's beginning.
It is also important to note the author's commentary on humanity. Ultimately, he sacrifices of himself and uses his wish to save the boy. While it is sad to realize he seems to have doomed himself to more loneliness and isolation, the reader can note that a man who sacrifices of himself for something greater than himself has proven his character to be deserving of happiness. The reader is left wanting for Sergei’s happiness, which reinforces that humanity should continue to strive toward the virtuous service of others.
