Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Big Fish, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Ambition, Courage, and Personal Fulfilment
Truth, Myth, and Immortality
Love, Flaws, and Acceptance
The Redemptive Power of Laughter
Summary
Analysis
William says Edward has many stories, but the most “formidable” is about facing Karl the Giant. Though Karl’s a boy like any other, he keeps growing. He outgrows his clothes every day and his bed every night, until he’s much taller, wider, and stronger than any man. No matter how much food Karl’s mother feeds him, Karl’s perpetually ravenous and screaming for more. When Karl’s 14, his mother slips away in frustration, never to return. A desperate Karl creeps through Ashland by night, ravaging cornfields and leaving the orchards bare. After six dogs go missing, Edward decides something has to be done, so he sets off to the cave where Karl lives.
The story of Karl the Giant highlights Edward’s approach to dealing with an intruder in his home town of Ashland. Edward displays his courageous and proactive nature in going to seek Karl out even though the rest of the townsfolk are scared. Karl’s home, a cave, alludes to a common trope in Ancient Greek myths. Both Hercules and Odysseus have to seek out beasts living in caves on their adventures, thus drawing a parallel between Edward and heroes of ancient legend.
Themes
Edward calls out for Karl, who emerges, looking grizzly and wild. Edward explains that Karl has to stop ravaging Ashland. The farmers are suffering and the children miss their dogs. Karl laughs dismissively, saying he could eat Edward right now. Edward agrees. In fact, he’s come as a sacrifice—for today’s lunch. Karl’s taken aback and starts crying softly, saying he doesn’t want to eat Edward or anybody else, he’s just always hungry and feels lost. Edward soothes Karl, suggesting he teach Karl how to grow crops and cook—and that’s exactly what happens. Karl becomes the biggest farmer in Ashland. People think Edward has a special power, but Edward thinks he's just amiable, that’s all.
Edward prefers to solve disputes by talking, rather than resorting to violence, which this story emphasizes. Edward also showcases his intelligence in the pragmatic solution he offers to diffuse the situation and ease Karl’s troubles. This story also shows that sometimes the people who seem to be a threat (like Karl) are acting that way because they’re suffering, meaning that they need to be helped, rather than to be defeated. Edward’s willingness to face Karl alone and offer himself as a sacrifice once again highlights Edward’s courage.
Themes
