Big Fish: Part 2: In Which He Has a Dream 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.

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. 

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.