“The Third Wish” is a short story written by Joan Aiken. The story was first published in 1978 and has become quite popular in the realm of fantasy literature. “The Third Wish” follows the tale of Mr. Peters, a kindhearted and rather simple man who stumbles upon a magical creature, a swan, that becomes trapped in some metal wires. Mr. Peters frees the swan and, in gratitude, the swan grants him three wishes as a reward.
The story explores themes of desire, the consequences of wishes, and the importance of thoughtful decision-making. Joan Aiken was known for her skill in writing fantasy and speculative fiction, and “The Third Wish” is one of her well-regarded works in the genre.
The Third Wish | Summary
“The Third Wish” by Joan Aiken is a captivating tale that begins with a man named Mr. Peters, who lives a solitary life as a gamekeeper in a small village. One evening, while strolling along the lakeshore after work, he comes across a magnificent swan tangled in some metal wires from a nearby trap. Being a kind and compassionate person, Mr. Peters rushes to free the majestic creature from its predicament. To his surprise, the swan starts speaking to him in a melodious voice, thanking him for his act of kindness. The swan reveals itself to be a magical being and offers to grant Mr. Peters three wishes as a token of gratitude for saving its life. At first, Mr. Peters can hardly believe what he is hearing, but as the swan assures him of the truth, he starts to consider his wishes carefully.
Excited by the endless possibilities, Mr. Peters makes his first wish – a fine roast beef dinner, as he feels hungry from a long day’s work. In an instant, the wish is granted, and a sumptuous feast appears before him. However, he realizes that he is dining alone and that the joy of sharing the meal with someone is missing. This realization leaves him feeling somewhat unfulfilled.
For his second wish, Mr. Peters asks for a beautiful wife to keep him company. Once again, the swan uses its magic, and a lovely woman named Leila appears beside him. They seem to get along well, and Leila is charming and affectionate. However, it soon becomes apparent that she is not quite what Mr. Peters had hoped for. Leila is demanding and capricious, making life difficult for him. Despite her beauty, he finds himself longing for a true connection and a companion who understands him.
Realizing that his first two wishes did not bring him genuine happiness, Mr. Peters decides to be more thoughtful and cautious with his third wish. He takes some time to ponder what he truly desires, wanting to make a difference in the world and help those less fortunate. Finally, he settles on the idea of using his third wish to promote goodness and welfare. With his mind made up, Mr. Peters tells the swan his final wish – he wishes for the swan itself to be free from any entrapment, allowing it to roam the skies as it pleases. The swan is moved by the selfless nature of the wish and grants it wholeheartedly. As the swan soars into the air, Mr. Peters feels a sense of contentment and fulfillment that he had not experienced with his previous wishes.
In the end, Mr. Peters returns to his tranquil life as a gamekeeper, reflecting on the lessons he has learned. He realizes that material possessions and selfish desires do not lead to true happiness. Instead, it is the selfless act of using one’s wishes to bring about good and freedom for others that brings the greatest joy.
The Third Wish | Analysis
The notion of love and compassion is prominent throughout the narrative. Mr. Peters, the gamekeeper, is shown as a compassionate and loving individual who is eager to assist even supernatural creatures in trouble. This act of kindness sets in motion a chain of circumstances that leads to the swan’s offer to grant him three wishes.
The story examines the issue of the temptation of material wants via Mr. Peters’ first two wishes. Mr. Peters’ instant yearning for food is satisfied as he is given his first wish for a roast beef meal. However, the lack of friendship and sharing dampens his happiness. Similarly, his second dream for a beautiful wife, Leila, satisfies his need for company, but she proves to be a shallow and demanding spouse. This emphasizes the idea that worldly goods and surface wants may not lead to true pleasure.
“The Third Wish” investigates the effects of desires. Mr. Peters’ wishes all have unexpected effects. The narrative warns readers of the dangers of pursuing impulses rashly without understanding the larger implications of such desires. This serves as a reminder to be aware of the implications of our activities, even if they appear to be innocent at first. Mr. Peters’ early desires indicate his deep need for company and connection. While the first two desires do not satisfy this need, they are important in his character development. Through these encounters, he learns the value of meaningful connections and the significance of true relationships based on understanding and mutual respect.
Mr. Peters’ third desire marks the story’s turning point. Instead of seeking personal gain, he generously grants the swan’s ultimate request, enabling it to be fully free. This unselfish gesture illustrates the subject of altruism and emphasizes the concept that actions of compassion and regard for others may lead to real pleasure. “The Third Wish” zeroes in on the need for deliberate decision-making. Mr. Peters’ journey throughout the narrative demonstrates his maturation from impulsive wants to thoughtful reflection. It urges readers to think critically before making major decisions and to consider the impact their decisions may have on others.
Joan Aiken masterfully incorporates a fantasy aspect into the plot. While the idea of a talking swan and magical wishes may appear outlandish, Aiken flawlessly incorporates these aspects into the story, making them feel genuine and captivating. The fantastical aspect complements the topics of the text and enables for imaginative examination of human motivations and behavior.
The Third Wish | Significance of Title
The title “The Third Wish” refers to the story’s three-part structure. Each of Mr. Peters’ wishes marks a separate stage in his character development and emotional journey. The desires give opportunities for development and self-discovery, culminating in the third wish, which demonstrates his change into a more thoughtful and caring man.
The title alludes to the story’s investigation of human wants and the repercussions of fulfilling them. The narrative challenges readers to contemplate the nature of wants and the need to pick them carefully by restricting them to three. It provokes thought on whether genuine pleasure is found in chasing own gratification or in selflessness and regard for others.
The concept of a “third wish” also represents the power of choice and redemption. Mr. Peters creates impulsive desires that provide him with brief gratification but no deeper fulfillment. The third desire offers a chance for atonement, a chance to right past wrongs and make a selfless act that corresponds with his newfound knowledge of real happiness.
The third wish acts as the narrative’s finale, bringing together the themes of kindness, compassion, careful decision-making, and the repercussions of wants. It is the climax of Mr. Peters’ character development and the pivotal point at which he realizes the significance of prioritizing selflessness over selfish gain.
The Third Wish | Literary Devices
The swan, as a magical and talking creature, symbolizes a mystical and otherworldly presence. It represents an agent of change and a catalyst for Mr. Peters’ transformation. Additionally, the swan’s entanglement in the metal wires symbolizes the constraints and limitations of desires and wishes.
The initial encounter between Mr. Peters and the swan, as well as the swan’s offer to grant three wishes, foreshadows the magical and transformative events that will unfold. It sets the stage for the story’s exploration of wishes and their consequences.
Joan Aiken skillfully uses imagery to paint vivid pictures in the readers’ minds. From the picturesque lakeshore to the sumptuous roast beef dinner, and the image of the swan soaring free in the sky, the story’s imagery adds depth and sensory richness to the narrative.
Through the portrayal of Mr. Peters and Leila, the author uses characterization to highlight the complexities of human nature. Mr. Peters evolves from a simple, impulsive man to someone more thoughtful and selfless, while Leila’s character represents the superficiality of desires when not guided by genuine emotions.
There are subtle allusions to traditional folktales and fairy tales within the narrative. The talking swan and the granting of wishes by a magical being evoke echoes of classic folklore elements.
The mood shifts throughout the story, from the initial mystery and intrigue surrounding the swan’s appearance to moments of humor and realization during Mr. Peters’ experiences with his wishes. The tone evolves from lightheartedness to contemplative and insightful as the story progresses.
The swan’s ability to talk allows for meaningful dialogue between it and Mr. Peters. Through these conversations, the swan imparts wisdom and guidance, advancing the story’s themes and lessons.
The story follows a classic narrative structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Each wish marks a distinct phase in the plot, and the climax of the story occurs during the granting of the third wish.
Through this article, one can explore the world of fantasy and enchantment while at the same time learning a moral lesson. The lesson circles around selflessness and kindness which is embodied by Mr. Peters after his transformation. This makes his character very genuine and adds to the universality of the story.