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
Although Edward can hold his own when challenged, he prefers to resolve things by talking than fighting. Nonetheless, on the night that Edward takes Sandra for a drive on Piney Mountain, he’s forced into a fight. Edward and Sandra have been seeing each other for three weeks, and he’s winning her heart just by being himself, “no more, no less.” She blushes when he touches her and is starting to think that something serious might be growing between them.
Sandra’s ability to love Edward exactly as he is (jokes and stories included) is reflected in the phrase “no more, no less,” and it’s why she’s able to experience a deep and loving bond with Edward. William, in contrast, struggles to accept Edward just as he is, which creates a feeling of distance between them.
Themes
Edward and Sandra are driving at night when a car dangerously speeds towards them. The car slams into Edward’s fender. Sandra knows it’s Don Price. Edward speeds up, but Don tries to nudge Edward’s car off the road. Edward swerves and cuts Don off. Don tells Edward that he’s proposed to Sandra and that she’s his. Edward talks calmly with Don, who’s drunk. Edward explains that Sandra won’t get into Don’s car because Don’s driving drunk. Don lunges at Edward and they beat each other to a pulp. Eventually, Edward wins and hauls Don’s limp body into the back of the car. Edward and Sandra sit silently for a while, until Sandra takes Edward’s bloody hands in her own, and kisses Edward, sealing their fate together.
Edward’s encounter with Don Price alludes to Ancient Greek myths in which a suitor has to win the hand of the woman he loves (notably, Homer’s Odysseus reclaims the hand of his wife, Penelope, by competing in an archery contest). Edward highlights his preference to resolve disputes by talking, but he also displays his courage and physical strength when pushed into a fight. In both contexts, Edward wins. Edward also displays his fiercely protective tendencies towards the people he loves, in his desire to keep Sandra safe.
Themes
