The Wise Little Fish

Brief Overview

«The Wise Little Fish» is a satirical tale by Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin that tells the story of a cautious and timid fish. The main character, a fish, decides from birth to live in a way that avoids any dangers and to live as long as possible. He avoids interacting with other fish, hides in a burrow, and is constantly afraid of being eaten. As a result of this lifestyle, the fish lives a long but utterly useless and lonely life, leaving no trace behind. The tale mocks excessive caution and fear of life, showing that such a life is devoid of meaning and joy.