Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the word 'Poignant' mean?
What does the word 'Poignant' mean?
What does the word 'Wizened' refer to?
What does the word 'Wizened' refer to?
What is the meaning of 'Beleaguered'?
What is the meaning of 'Beleaguered'?
Define 'Fluent'.
Define 'Fluent'.
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What does the term 'Zionist' describe?
What does the term 'Zionist' describe?
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What does 'KGB' stand for?
What does 'KGB' stand for?
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What does 'Superimpose' mean?
What does 'Superimpose' mean?
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Define 'Vignettes'.
Define 'Vignettes'.
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Who is Yonatan?
Who is Yonatan?
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Describe Sergei Goralick.
Describe Sergei Goralick.
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What are Sergei's three wishes?
What are Sergei's three wishes?
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The story conveys the theme that wishes cannot buy happiness.
The story conveys the theme that wishes cannot buy happiness.
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What did Sergei give up when he used his last wish?
What did Sergei give up when he used his last wish?
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Why is Sergei reluctant to use his third wish?
Why is Sergei reluctant to use his third wish?
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Why did Sergei hit Yonatan with a stove burner?
Why did Sergei hit Yonatan with a stove burner?
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Study Notes
Vocabulary and Definitions
- Poignant: Elicits strong feelings of sadness or regret.
- Wizened: Describes someone who is shriveled or wrinkled due to aging.
- Beleaguered: Refers to someone facing numerous troubles or challenges.
- Fluent: Indicates the ability to communicate easily and clearly.
- Zionist: Jews advocating for a Jewish state in Palestine.
- KGB: Soviet Union's Committee for State Safety, functioning as an intelligence agency.
- Superimpose: To place one thing over another.
- Vignettes: Short, descriptive snapshots or sketches.
Character Summaries
- Yonatan (Yoni): Creative boy filming a documentary about wishes in Tel Aviv; encounters a magical goldfish in Jaffa.
- Sergei Goralick: Russian Jewish character with a Zionist father; experiences KGB interference; possesses a magical goldfish granting three wishes; fears loneliness and has a talking goldfish.
Themes and Character Actions
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Sergei's Wishes: Reflect an altruistic nature, prioritizing others' needs over his own:
- Curing his sister of cancer.
- Healing Sveta's son discreetly.
- Reviving Yonatan while accepting the cost of freeing the fish.
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Central Theme: The narrative emphasizes that material wishes cannot provide true happiness.
Plot Dynamics
- Loss of Companionship: Sergei uses his last wish to restore humanity at the expense of the fish's freedom, showing the depth of his relationships.
- Reluctance to Use Third Wish: Sergei hesitates due to the emotional attachment to the goldfish.
Conflict Resolution
- Confrontation with Yonatan: Sergei strikes Yonatan out of fear of losing the goldfish's companionship, revealing his insecurities and attachment.
These study notes encapsulate the vocabulary, character motivations, central themes, and significant plot points found in the story "What, of this Goldfish would you wish?"
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Description
Test your vocabulary with flashcards from the book 'What, of this Goldfish Would You Wish?' This quiz features definitions of poignant words that evoke deep emotions, alongside their meanings. Discover new terms such as 'wizened' and 'beleaguered' while enhancing your understanding of the text.
