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
Edward starts following Sandra around and becomes obsessed with her. He’s compelled to bump into her just so he can brush up against her. Sandra is seeing Don Price (the leader of the gang in the barn who stole the old lady’s eye), but Edward is convinced he can beat Don as he did before. One day, Edward asks Sandra out. Sandra—feeling the same rush of excitement that Edward does—says yes. Don Price asked Sandra to marry her that same morning but she wants time to think about her answer.
The bourgeoning love story between Edward and Sandra emphasizes how Edward draws strength and courage from his prior successes, which helps him to keep moving forward in life. Here, Edward is emboldened because he defeated Don Price (the gang leader) once before, and he draws on this success to muster the courage to ask Sandra on a date.
Themes
