Dr.

Pedro Albizu Campos

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Short Story and Analysis

English 11-2

Professor Evelyn Ocasio

Kevin Jarell Rivera Lugo

October 17,2023
 In the story titled "What, of this Goldfish, Would You Wish?" by Etgar Keret, Yonatan

embarks on a unique documentary project, asking people what they would wish for if granted

three wishes by a talking goldfish. This narrative delves into the profound and diverse desires of

individuals and the choices they would make when given the opportunity to change their lives.

Inspired by the story's exploration of human wishes, I've selected three personal wishes that

represent a spectrum of aspirations: the longing for time travel to witness history's pivotal

moments, a heartfelt wish for abundant resources to make a positive impact on those in need, and

the desire for creative talent to inspire others through art.

Etgar Keret was the writer of this story, an Israeli writer renowned for his contributions to

the world of short stories, as well as his work as a television scriptwriter and film director. Born

as the third child to parents who survived the Holocaust, Keret has made a significant impact in

the literary and cinematic spheres. Keret currently serves as a professor at Ben-Gurion University

in Beersheba and the University of Tel Aviv, further solidifying his role in academia. His literary

journey commenced with the publication of "Tuberías," a collection of short stories that did not

initially gain much attention. However, his creative prowess soon garnered recognition when he

won the first prize at the Alternative Festival of Acre in 1993 for "Entebbe: El musical." His

second collection of short stories, "Ga'aguai Le'Kissinger," brought him even greater acclaim.

Moreover, Keret's collaborative ventures with graphic artists resulted in five of his stories being

translated into English and adapted into graphic novels under the title "Jetlag." Etgar Keret is

widely celebrated as a leading figure in modern Hebrew literature. His mastery lies in his skillful

use of language, his ability to craft narratives around everyday events, and his unique blend of

dark humor and surrealism. His literary works have had a lasting impact on contemporary

storytelling. Beyond the realm of literature, Keret's cinematic career is equally promising. He has
contributed to various film and television scripts and directed the successful feature film "Malka

Lev Adom," for which he received accolades from both the Israeli Academy of Film and the

Munich Film Festival in Germany. However, his most significant achievement remains winning

the Camera d'Or for Best First Feature at the Cannes Film Festival for "Meduzot," marking his

prowess as a filmmaker on the international stage. Etgar Keret's multifaceted talents continue to

leave an indelible mark on both Israeli and global culture.

The general setting of the story is contemporary Israel, primarily within the urban

landscape of Tel Aviv. It features various neighborhoods and areas within this bustling city,

showcasing the diversity and complexity of Israeli society. Specifically, the story mentions

locations like Yaffo, Dimona, Ashdod, Sderot, Taibe, Talpiot, and even Hebron in the West

Bank. Each of these places provides a unique backdrop for the encounters between the

protagonist, Yonatan, and the individuals he interviews about their wishes. The narrative unfolds

in the present day, and the story's setting spans across different neighborhoods and regions

within Israel, highlighting the cultural and social diversity of the country.

The story features several characters, but the main character is Yonatan. Yonatan is a

creative and ambitious filmmaker who embarks on a unique project to capture people's wishes.

While his physical appearance is not extensively described in the story, his character traits are

evident in his determination and resourcefulness. Yonatan's idea of using a talking goldfish to

explore people's dreams forms the core of the narrative. Sergei Goralick is another key character,

an elderly Russian immigrant living in Israel. He is portrayed as a man who values solitude, and

he prefers a quiet, simple life centered around his love for fishing. While his physical

characteristics are not detailed in the story, his resourcefulness and his protective instinct for his

talking goldfish become evident when he takes drastic action. Munir, an Arab man from
Bethlehem, briefly appears in the story. He is described as a fat man with a big white mustache.

Munir's character is symbolically important as he wishes for peace, reflecting his compassionate

and hopeful nature. Additionally, the story introduces various residents briefly, such as the

Holocaust survivor and the cocky ladykiller, though detailed physical descriptions of these

characters are not provided. Their character traits are revealed through their respective wishes,

offering a glimpse into the diverse range of desires people hold.

The story begins with Yonatan, the protagonist of our story, he had a brilliant and

ambitious idea. He plans to create a documentary that explores people's wishes. Armed with just

a small camera, he decides to go door-to-door, asking individuals about the three things they'd

wish for if they stumbled upon a talking goldfish. Yonatan envisions this project as a unique

social commentary, shedding light on the gap between our dreams and the reality we live in. He

sets off to a Tel Aviv suburb to capture these intriguing responses. During his door-to-door

quest, Yonatan arrives at Sergei Goralick's home in Jaffa. Sergei, an immigrant from Russia, is a

man who values solitude and peace. Initially resistant to the intrusion, Sergei's life takes a

surprising turn when he encounters Yonatan, who is documenting his quest with a talking

goldfish. An unintended and tragic outcome unfolds when Sergei becomes protective of his

precious goldfish. In a moment of panic, he accidentally strikes the filmmaker with a pan,

leading to the young man's death. Sergei is left in his home, confronted with the lifeless body of

the filmmaker. Seeking guidance and assistance, he turns to the talking goldfish. At this stage,

the narrative focuses on Sergei's contemplation of the situation and the moral choices he must

make. Sergei grapples with the consequences of his actions. The goldfish offers a solution it can

bring the filmmaker back to life. However, it suggests that using Sergei's final wish for this

purpose might be more meaningful. This moral dilemma intensifies as Sergei must weigh the
options and decide whether to revive the filmmaker or utilize his last wish for a different

purpose. After extensive contemplation, Sergei makes his final decision. He chooses not to use

his last wish to revive the filmmaker. Instead, he resolves to hide the body and dispose of it at

sea to ensure no one discovers the tragic incident.

The theme of "What, of this Goldfish, Would You Wish?" by Etgar Keret revolves

around the idea of moral choices, the consequences of one's actions, and the weight of one's

wishes. The author conveys a message about the complexity of human desires, moral dilemmas,

and the potential for redemption. Throughout the story, we witness characters facing significant

moral decisions. Yonatan's project prompts individuals to reflect on their deepest desires,

highlighting the complexity of human nature and the sometimes-self-serving nature of our

wishes. Sergei, on the other hand, faces a moral dilemma after unintentionally causing the death

of the filmmaker. He must decide whether to use his final wish to bring the filmmaker back to

life or to wish for something else. This dilemma illustrates the weight of one's actions and the

responsibility that comes with having the power to make a wish. The narrative raises questions

about the true nature of our desires and what we are willing to sacrifice or choose when faced

with the consequences of our actions. Sergei's final decision not to use his wish to revive the

filmmaker may be seen as an attempt at redemption and an acknowledgment of the moral

implications of his choices. Inferentially, the story suggests that our wishes and actions have real

consequences, and we should carefully consider the impact of our decisions on others. It

encourages readers to reflect the moral dimensions of their desires and the choices they make,

even in extraordinary situations.

In "What, of this Goldfish, Would You Wish?" by Etgar Keret, the story is set in various

locations across Israel, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. The primary setting
is the bustling city of Tel Aviv, a vibrant metropolis located on the Mediterranean coast. This

serves as the starting point for the story, where the protagonist, Yonatan, embarks on his unique

documentary project. As Yonatan ventures into the neighborhood of Yaffo (or Jaffa), an ancient

port city within Tel Aviv, the story introduces the reader to its historical charm, reflecting the

contrast between old and modern Israel. The mention of Beerseba adds another layer to the

setting, a city in the Negev desert that is significant due to its high-tech industries and

educational institutions. The narrative also touches on Dimona, known for its nuclear research

center, providing a glimpse into Israel's security concerns. The city of Ashdod, a bustling

Mediterranean port, further highlights Israel's diverse urban landscapes. However, the story takes

a poignant turn as it mentions Sderot, a town near the Gaza Strip known for enduring rocket

attacks. The town of Taibe, an Arab community in central Israel, represents the country's cultural

diversity. The narrative also alludes to Hebron, a city in the West Bank, which holds profound

religious significance for multiple faiths. These various localities serve not only as physical

settings but also as symbolic representations of the socio-political and cultural complexities that

define Israel. They provide a backdrop against which the characters' wishes and desires unfold,

adding depth and context to the story's themes.

In conclusion, "What, of this Goldfish, Would You Wish?" by Etgar Keret is a thought-

provoking and evocative story that delves into the hopes, dreams, and complex realities of the

people living in different localities across Israel. The narrative's unique structure, as Yonatan

goes door to door asking about wishes, allows readers to glimpse into the diverse lives and

desires of the characters, revealing the multifaceted nature of human aspirations. The story's

settings, ranging from the bustling city of Tel Aviv to the historically rich Jaffa, the poignant

Sderot, and even the symbolic Hebron, add depth and context to the narrative. As the characters'
wishes unfold against this backdrop, the story serves as a testament to the profound divide

between dreams and reality, transcending geographical boundaries to explore the universal

human experience. Etgar Keret's skillful storytelling and exploration of the human condition

make this short story a compelling and memorable read.

Comparing the written story "Etgar Keret: What, of this Goldfish, Would You Wish?" to

the film adaptation reveals several key differences. In the written narrative, readers are invited to

engage their imagination to envision the characters and settings. The absence of visual

representations means that the reader's mental imagery is crucial in shaping the story's essence.

In contrast, the film adaptation presents the characters and settings visually. Actors bring the

characters to life, allowing the audience to see their physical appearances and expressions. This

visual component adds a layer of concrete detail that the written story leaves to the reader's

interpretation.