Questions and Answers
Who is Yonatan?
A young boy who had an idea to go house to house and ask questions for a documentary he was making.
What happened to Yonatan's camera?
It broke because he fell.
What number channel did Yonatan want to air his project on?
Channel 8.
How many wishes did the goldfish grant?
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What does beleaguered mean?
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Who was Sergei Goralick?
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Why did Sergei not like people banging on his door?
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Why didn't Sergei want to take Yonatan to the hospital?
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What does fluent mean?
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What does plotting mean?
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What was so special about the goldfish?
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Who was the main character?
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Why did Sergei hit the boy over the head with a stove burner?
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Where is the setting of the story?
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What did Yonatan want to do?
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Consider how Sergei reacts when Yoni comes to his door. Does his response seem rational or not?
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What does the dialogue between Sergei and the goldfish reveal about their relationship?
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What can you infer about Sergei's character based on the way he uses his first two wishes?
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What details in the story reveal the conflict between Sergei and the goldfish?
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What conflicting motivations must Sergei sort out before using his last wish?
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Is the structure of flashforward effective in the story?
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What theme about happiness does the story convey?
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Who is Yonotain?
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What does poignant mean?
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What does beleaguered mean?
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What does fluent mean?
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What does holocaust mean?
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What does wizened mean?
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Who are the main characters in this story?
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What did Yoni go door to door asking people?
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What was Sergei's first wish?
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What was Sergei's second wish?
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What did Yoni do with the videos he took of the people's responses?
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What can the goldfish taste when he is excited?
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What did the Russian say he would do to the goldfish?
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What kind of story is this?
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Why didn't Sergei use his last wish?
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What is the setting of the story?
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Who are the characters in the story?
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What is the plot of the story?
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What is the purpose of Yonatan's documentary?
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Why is Sergei so upset when Yonatan barges into his home?
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Who is Sergei's special guest and what is his purpose?
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What is the beginning of the story?
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What is the end of the story?
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What is the theme of the story?
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How is characterization used?
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How is flashback used in the story?
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What point of view does the story reflect?
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What does cash out mean?
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What type of conflict is portrayed in the story?
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What is the suspense in the story?
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What role does dialogue play?
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Study Notes
Main Characters
- Yonotan: A young boy creating a documentary and seeking opinions on wishes from a magical goldfish.
- Sergei Goralick: A Russian fisherman with a troubled past, who wishes to protect his privacy.
Plot Overview
- Yonotan's project involves interviewing people about their wishes if they found a goldfish that grants three wishes.
- Sergei possesses the goldfish but initially distrusts Yonotan and aims to keep the fish safe from potential theft.
Goldfish and Wishes
- The goldfish can grant three wishes, which Sergei uses to help others before considering his own desires.
- Sergei's first wish is to cure his sister's lung cancer, followed by curing a boy named Sveta.
Key Themes
- Friendship: The relationship between Sergei and the goldfish is complex; while Sergei sees the fish as a companion, the fish sees its role as a job.
- Happiness: Sergei derives happiness from his friendship with the goldfish but must confront loneliness after using his wishes for others.
- Conflict of Interest: Sergei faces a decision about using his last wish for personal happiness versus the greater good.
Setting
- The story takes place in Herbon, Israel, with cultural nuances reflecting Sergei's Russian Jewish background.
Language and Vocabulary
- Beleaguered: Easily troubled and overwhelmed by problems.
- Fluent: Able to express oneself easily and articulately.
- Poignant: Evoking a deep sense of sadness or regret.
Character Development
- Sergei's background with the KGB shapes his reactions; he desires privacy and is cautious about strangers at his door.
- Yonotan is depicted as an inquisitive youth, driven by the desire to capture real emotions for his documentary.
Conflicts and Resolutions
- Man vs. Man: Conflicts arise between Sergei and Yonotan, particularly around trust and intent.
- Suspense is built around the uncertainty of whether Sergei will use his last wish on Yonotan after a fatal incident.
Narrative Techniques
- Flashbacks are utilized to reveal Sergei's painful memories of living under oppressive circumstances in Russia.
- Dialogue between characters deepens the understanding of their motivations and relationships.
Story Structure
- The conclusion leaves readers to infer the outcome of Sergei's final wish, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and the significance of choices.
Cultural Insights
- The story highlights the struggles of Russian Jews in transitioning to life in Israel, reflecting broader themes of adapting to new cultures and personal histories.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the short story 'What, Of This Goldfish Would You, Wish?' with these flashcards. Explore key elements like characters, events, and details about Yonotan's documentary project. Perfect for students or anyone interested in literature.