As a wife, recount the tale of the old man fishing for the golden fish.

Prompt: As a wife, narrate the story of the old man fishing for the golden fish.

As the wife of the old fisherman, let me narrate the tale of the old man and the golden fish.

I. Outline:

Introducing the life circumstances of 'me' - a woman of the fishing village well past sixty.

- The conversation between 'me' and the old husband about the story of catching the golden fish.
- 'My' materialistic ambitions and power over 'my' husband to go fishing:
+ First time: Demanding a new pig trough
+ Second time: Demanding a new house
+ Third time: Aspiring to be a queen...(Continued)

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II. Sample Essay:

I'm a coastal villager, nearing sixty this year, living with my elderly husband. Though not wealthy, our family is content. I spend my days tending to pigs, growing vegetables, patching nets, while my husband heads out to sea to fish, either for our meals or to sell for rice. Life goes on peacefully, not affluent but tranquil among our neighbors.

One day, as I sat mending nets in front of our house, my husband returned from fishing, appearing unusually jubilant. Seeing him, I inquired, 'What's brought such excitement today?'

Before I could finish, he began, 'Today, something remarkable happened, dear wife. I spent the entire morning casting nets but caught nothing. Disheartened, I threw one last time and caught a golden fish. Strangely, as I freed it from the net, it pleaded with me earnestly: 'Kind sir, have mercy and let me return to the open sea. I promise to repay your kindness, whatever you wish.' Without hesitation, I decided to release it, expecting no reward in return. I felt immense joy and serenity in my heart.

Hearing his tale, I was both astonished and deeply moved. Without hesitation, I released it, expecting no reward in return. I felt immense joy and serenity in my heart.

Listening to the old man's story, I felt a mix of disgust and pity. Such foolishness! I couldn't hold back my anger and scolded him harshly, 'Don't you see how miserable your life is? Your house is in shambles, even the pigsty is falling apart. At the very least, you should demand some repayment for your kindness. At your age, you should know how to make the most of your opportunities. You should hurry to the sea and ask for a new pigsty at least. I can't stand your foolishness anymore.'

After my harsh words, the old man tearfully went to the sea to ask for the golden fish. I stayed home, hopeful, because if the golden fish spoke the truth, then surely there was magic at play, which could greatly benefit our lives.

Lost in thought, suddenly a beam of light appeared, revealing a new pigsty in place of the old one. At that moment, my husband returned, rushing to see the new pigsty, showing satisfaction and excitement. Now, I thought, if the golden fish possessed such great magic, we couldn't possibly continue living in this poor, dilapidated house. This was a chance for a better life. I urged my husband, 'Quickly, go ask that fish for a brand new, splendid home. We can't keep living in misery like this forever.'

Upon hearing my suggestion, my husband startled, saying, 'Enough, dear, the golden fish has repaid our kindness. I've lived like this for years, what's there to worry about now?'

I scolded the old man, 'Don't you know how to seize an opportunity? Hurry up and go, don't waste any more time, my mind is made up.'

So my husband swiftly went back to the sea. I stayed home, anticipating the impending miracle. A few minutes later, our dilapidated old house was transformed into a magnificent, luxurious mansion. It was fully furnished, with a beautiful flower garden at the entrance. I had never lived in such a splendid house before. I indulged in all the luxuries before me without a care in the world. But suddenly, my greed resurfaced, and I couldn't stop desiring even grander things. I wanted to be worshipped, to have servants at my beck and call, to be a queen making everyone bow down before me. In that moment, all that remained within me was greed and selfishness. It seemed like the extravagant desires had robbed me of my rationality, causing me to forget about my loving husband who had been by my side for so long. How could someone like me marry that poor, wretched man?

Then I looked at my old husband disdainfully and said, 'Old man, go tell the golden fish to let me become the foremost lady. Hurry up, don't make me lose my temper anymore!'

My husband looked at me with disdain and disappointment, 'Have you gone mad? Is living in luxury not enough for you? Why do you have such insane thoughts?'

Upon hearing, I couldn't contain my anger and snapped, 'Hurry up, don't waste words.'

The old man reluctantly went to the sea alone to summon the golden fish. Upon the fish's agreement, I became a lady of noble standing as desired. Adorned in luxurious attire, expensive shoes, with gold and silver adorning me, I reveled in every moment. Servants bustled around the house, everyone bowing and serving me diligently. My old husband even bowed before me, saying,

'Respected lady, I trust you are satisfied?' Without allowing him to say another word, my anger boiled over. I ordered the servants to push him into the horse stable for punishment. From then on, I lived in opulence, while my old husband endured suffering within the same house. For me, it was a just punishment for his foolishness and weakness.

After some time, weary of being a lady, I summoned the old man and commanded, 'Old man, now I wish to become the queen of this kingdom to rule over this realm. Go quickly to the sea and convey this message to the golden fish, or else do not blame me for my cruelty.'

Upon hearing, the old husband trembled with fear. He shouted in desperation, 'You're truly mad! Stop this madness, regain your senses!'

Ignoring the old man's words, I sent someone to drive him to the sea. Soon after, from the lavish house emerged a majestic palace. I ascended to the throne as the queen, hosting grand feasts within the palace walls. Surrounded by soldiers and guards, life as a queen was truly delightful. I had never experienced such feelings before, and I felt immensely proud.

But soon, I grew weary of being a queen and dreamt of becoming a Dragon Queen ruling beneath the Dragon Palace with the golden fish as my servant. I summoned the foolish old husband and ordered him to convey this request to the golden fish. As he departed, I was confident my wish would be granted. I contemplated various ways to torment the golden fish and the old man. But in the blink of an eye, everything vanished. Before me lay only the broken pigsty and the dilapidated house. I screamed in despair, everything was lost, wealth, power, all gone. Tears streamed down my face, filled with regret, sorrow, and profound remorse. Crestfallen and despondent, I sat quietly by the kitchen hearth. My old husband returned, witnessing the scene, he shook his head in disappointment without uttering a word.

After a while, the old man looked at me tenderly and said, 'Enough, dear. If we're poor, let's live like the poor, try our best, and everything will eventually pass.' I leaned my head on his shoulder, crying bitterly. He had never abandoned me, no matter how cruel I had been. In the end, he was the one who stood by me, encouraging and protecting me. I felt truly sorry and endlessly sad, realizing that my selfishness and greed, never satisfied with what I had, led to such a tragic outcome. It was a lesson in life, ultimately understanding that wealth earned through one's own hands and labor is the only enduring and deserving reward, stemming from the heart of a good person.

Once upon a time, amidst the vast ocean, there lived an old fisherman who had a peculiar bond with a majestic golden fish.

In the shimmering depths of the sea, the tale unfolded where the old man, embodying the spirit of determination, encountered the shimmering golden fish, igniting a saga of adventure and wisdom.