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Part 1: The Girl in the River
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
William recalls that people think Edward has a special quiet charm that draws women to him despite his shyness. He’s handsome but not conceited, and he is friendly with everyone. People also say Edward’s funny. He keeps to himself in big groups, but if you get him alone, he’ll really make you laugh. They say you can hear the echo of sweet young girls’ laughter in the night, coming from Edward’s porch as people drift off to sleep in their little town of Ashland.
William emphasizes several of Edward’s qualities that make him a hero of sorts, including his charm, humility, and friendliness. Though William doesn’t quite realize it yet, Edward places tremendous value in making people laugh. The value of laughter is hinted at here, especially in terms of how it uplifts Ashland’s residents.
Themes
