Final answer:
A common theme of 'The Fisherman and His Wife', 'The Monkey's Paw', and 'The Third Wish' is the cautionary nature of wishes, with the adage "Be careful what you wish for" underpinning the unforeseen consequences faced by the characters.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Themes in 'The Fisherman and His Wife', 'The Monkey's Paw', and 'The Third Wish'
A common theme shared by the stories of 'The Fisherman and His Wife', 'The Monkey's Paw', and 'The Third Wish' is the consequence and cautionary nature of wishes and desires. In each narrative, the characters come to possess an ability to make extraordinary wishes that ironically lead to unexpected and often negative outcomes. This notion aligns with the well-known adage "Be careful what you wish for", which posits that receiving what one desire may not always result in happiness or a positive transformation. In these stories, desires and wishes often lead to disruption, unforeseen consequences, or moral lessons about the nature of contentment and the complexity of human aspiration.