1. What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?
Respond to the following questions using textual evidence to support your answers:
Consider how Sergei reacts when Yoni comes to his door. Does his response seem rational (reasonable) or not? How does Sergei’s cultural experience help explain his reaction?
What does the dialogue between Sergei and the goldfish reveal about their relationship?
What can you infer about Sergei’s character based on the way he uses his first two wishes?
Sergei considers the goldfish to be his friend. What details in the story reveal their conflict with each other? Can their relationship truly be considered a friendship? Explain.
When Sergei realizes Yoni is dead, he must make a decision. What conflicting motivations must he sort out before he can decide whether or not to use his last wish?
The last section of the story is a flash forward. Readers must infer what happens in the time between Sergei’s conversation with the fish and Yoni’s final report on his video. Is this structure effective, or would it have been better to know the details about Sergei’s decision? Explain.
What theme about happiness does this story convey through Sergei’s situation and actions and the outcome of events?

2. Double Bubble Map
Read “The Monkey’s Paw” and, with a partner, create a Double Bubble Map illustrating the similarities and differences between the two stories. Consider:
Where do the wishes come from? How is each wish used? What lesson do the characters learn?
What happens to the characters and why? What is their motivation in each story?
How does Keret’s story fit in with other “three wishes” stories you have heard? What elements are similar? What makes it unique?

3. The Wife’s Story
Read and complete the close reading questions for “The Wife’s Story” using textual evidence, then respond to the following questions about the three stories you have read so far:
What techniques does each author use to develop the characters in their respective stories, including their motivations to take particular actions throughout each tale?
Which of the three stories do you feel was the most effective (in terms of character development)? Why?