The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish

Main Ideas

• Greed and its consequences: The tale illustrates how the wife's greed leads to the destruction of her well-being and a return to their original state of poverty.
• Humility and gratitude: Unlike his wife, the old man shows humility and gratitude, which contrasts with the wife's greed and ambition.
• Wisdom and power of nature: The golden fish symbolizes the wisdom and power of nature, which can both give and take away gifts depending on people's behavior.
• Moral retribution: The tale teaches that excessive ambition and ingratitude are punished, while humility and kindness are rewarded.