Big Fish

Big Fish

by

Daniel Wallace

Ben Jimson Character Analysis

Ben Jimson is an old man who runs a country store. Edward meets Ben after being brutally beaten and robbed, but will not accept “charity” from Ben. Instead, he tries to clean Ben’s store in exchange for medical assistance. Edward ends up recuperating with Ben for over a year and discovers his knack for advertising when he uses the time to turn Ben’s business around and save money for college.
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Ben Jimson Character Timeline in Big Fish

The timeline below shows where the character Ben Jimson appears in Big Fish. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Part 1: Entering a New World
Ambition, Courage, and Personal Fulfilment Theme Icon
Truth, Myth, and Immortality Theme Icon
...next. Edward approaches an old man on a rocking chair outside a general store (Ben Jimson) who’s alarmed at Edward’s bloody state. The old man’s family hurriedly gathers water and bandages... (full context)
Ambition, Courage, and Personal Fulfilment Theme Icon
Truth, Myth, and Immortality Theme Icon
The Redemptive Power of Laughter Theme Icon
...posts fliers bearing an ingenious slogan—“buy one get one free”—all over, and he makes Ben Jimson, the store’s owner, a rich man. Edward stays with Ben Jimson for a year, making... (full context)
Part 2: The Old Lady and the Eye
Ambition, Courage, and Personal Fulfilment Theme Icon
Truth, Myth, and Immortality Theme Icon
Edward leaves Jimson’s store and decides to attend college, so he heads for Auburn. When he finally arrives,... (full context)