Leita and the Swan are crying in "The Third Wish" due to a profound sense of loss and longing stemming from Leita's transformed state and the disruption of their natural bond. Leita, originally a swan, has been wished into human form, leading to deep unhappiness for both her and her sister, the Swan.
Understanding Leita's Sorrow
Leita's tears are a direct result of her profound regret and sorrow over her current existence. She laments:
- Missing her sister (the Swan): The strongest tie Leita feels is to her true family, particularly her sister, the Swan. Their separation, especially with Leita in an unfamiliar form, causes immense emotional pain.
- Loss of her old way of life: Leita deeply misses her life as a swan, including the freedom of flight, the natural environment of the forest and river, and the inherent connection to her true self. Her human form, though wished for by Mr. Peters, feels unnatural and confining to her. This longing for her true form and past existence is the core of her sadness.
The Swan's Shared Grief
The Swan, as Leita's sister, shares in this sorrow. Her tears are a reflection of:
- Empathy for Leita's unhappiness: Seeing her beloved sister trapped in a form that brings her no joy, and witnessing Leita's constant longing for their shared past, causes the Swan immense grief.
- Disruption of their natural bond: Their sisterly bond is deeply rooted in their shared identity as swans. Leita's transformation has fundamentally altered this relationship, leading to a sense of loss for the Swan as well, who undoubtedly misses their life together in their true forms.
Their combined tears symbolize the tragedy of wishes that bring unintended consequences and highlight the theme of true happiness lying in one's natural state and genuine connections.
Key Reasons for Their Distress
The table below summarizes the primary reasons for Leita and the Swan's shared sorrow:
| Character | Primary Reason for Crying |
|---|---|
| Leita | Misses her sister (the Swan) and her former, natural life as a swan. |
| The Swan | Grieves for Leita's profound unhappiness and the disruption of their shared natural existence. |
This emotional distress underscores the story's central message about the unintended outcomes of altering one's true nature or interfering with the natural order. For a deeper understanding of the story's themes, you can explore detailed analyses of "The Third Wish" plot and character development.
