Final answer:
The phrase 'not all that glitters is gold' warns against being deceived by appearances, often used in stories to highlight characters' learning that true value is found beyond materialistic pursuits. Characters fascinated by gold learn valuable lessons about greed and true wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "not all that glitters is gold" means that just because something appears valuable on the outside, does not mean it is genuinely valuable or true. In stories, this theme often manifests in narratives involving greed and the pursuit of wealth. Characters may be deceived by the allure of something that glitters like gold, only to find that its true value is much less than they believed. A classic example is a tale where a lump of gold causes conflicts over who gets to keep the treasure, and the participants eventually learn that their relationships and integrity are worth more than the gold.
In the narrative provided, characters are mesmerized by the idea of gold, such as Maria in the story who describes an opulent service of gold plate with great enthusiasm. Zerkow is so obsessed with the idea of possessing gold that he is willing to believe any story about it, despite its plausibility, highlighting his greed and desperation. These stories illustrate that obsession with wealth can often lead to one's detriment.