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
Early on, William believes that Edward will probably live forever. One day, Edward falls off the roof after climbing a ladder to see the view. William is nine years old, and warns Edward not to because it’s dangerous, but Edward does it anyway. Edward strolls gleefully on the roof like a ship’s captain when suddenly, he falls into a bed of shrubbery, lying motionless. William knows he’s dead. William walks slowly towards Edward’s body and stares at Edward’s face, mesmerized by its stillness. Suddenly, Edward winks and says “Had you going there, didn’t I?”
Edward’s behavior on the rooftop fills William with wonder, showing that even though William struggles with accepting his father’s personal quirks, he is full of love and awe for his father. Edward’s joking turns a frightening situation into a funny one, and once again, William remembers this about Edward with warmth. Even though William struggles to accept this part of Edward’s personality, he is starting to see its value.
Themes
