Big Fish

Big Fish

by

Daniel Wallace

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Big Fish: Part 2: In Which He Has a Dream Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
While on his deathbed, Edward has a dream about his own death that’s also, in a way, a dream about William. News about Edward’s illness spreads far and wide, and dozens of people undertake a pilgrimage to Edward’s house. They stand shoulder to shoulder, praying for Edward’s recovery as William and Sandra watch from the living room. After a few weeks, Sandra and William grow uneasy. A buffet table has been set up on the lawn, and people keep bothering Sandra for cutlery. There’s a tent city in the garden, with an information center, and it’s all getting a bit much.
Edward infuses humor into his vision of dying, which makes his dream more memorable. The reader learns that part of Edward’s ambitious drive is motivated towards positively affecting other people’s lives, hence the imaginary throng of visitors camping on the lawn. The imagery of crowds paying homage to a dying man once again reinforces the idea of Edward as a great hero.
Themes
Ambition, Courage, and Personal Fulfilment Theme Icon
Truth, Myth, and Immortality Theme Icon
The Redemptive Power of Laughter Theme Icon
An old man with a thick white beard and glasses who looks like a sailor sits in the middle of the hubbub, addressing everyone’s concerns one by one. William approaches the man, who eagerly asks if there’s any news. William says there isn’t really, and the man ponders this deeply. He asks if Edward’s still swimming, and William says yes. Suddenly, the man raises his hands and shouts “he’s still swimming!” as the crowd cheers. William politely explains that rapturous as the crowd is, they need to go. A woman thrusts healing herbs into William’s hands, saying that the wise old man had foretold this request. 
Edward’s dream is dripping with characteristic humor in the way Edward paints himself as a comically loved and revered hero, complete with a prophesizing old man who directs the crowds who have come to pay homage to Edward. The reference to swimming is a metaphor for Edward continuing to seize something out of life, despite his illness.  
Themes
The Redemptive Power of Laughter Theme Icon
Suddenly, the crowd gasps as Edward emerges at the window, waving and beaming at everyone in turn. Voices fill the air and people crowd around William to tell him about Edward’s “good deeds.” The old man explains that Edward helped them all in some way, like lending them money or helping them get jobs, and they’re all part of him just as Edward’s a part of them, even though William doesn’t understand. William asks what Edward did for the old man. The old man smiles, and says “he made me laugh.” William smiles knowingly and walks into the “warmth” of his “glowing home,” reciting a joke about an elephant, as the crowd bursts into roaring laughter. 
The old man compares the value of laughter to material things like money and jobs, meaning that laughter is almost like a kind of emotional currency that is precious because it lifts a person’s spirits. William’s knowing smile and the references to “warmth” and “glowing” indicate that William finally grasps what Edward has been pushing him to accept: that laughter is a powerful tool for coping with difficult experiences.
Themes
The Redemptive Power of Laughter Theme Icon
Quotes