1. In the phraseology of its beginning ("There was a woman…"), its simple style, its direct characterization, and its use of the wish motif - especially that of the wish that is granted only on conditions that nullify its desirability (compare the story of King Midas) - this story has the qualities of a fairy tale. Its differences, however- in characterization, setting, and ending - are especially significant. What do they tell us about the purpose of the story?