Big Fish: Part 2: My Father’s Death: Take 3 Summary & Analysis

William says “it happens like this.” The ancient Dr. Bennett comes out of the guest room and bursts into violent sobs, admitting helplessly that things don’t look good. Sandra looks at William with a look that says she’s “ready” and goes in, as Dr. Bennet sinks dejected into a chair, as if unable to fathom the great Edward Bloom—the “god of laughter,” or a demi-god who’s descended to make the world a place where people laugh more—isn’t going to live forever. William reflects that Edward’s even laughing now, in the face of death. Sandra comes out crying tears of frustration—both at being left behind without Edward and because right now he’s being “incorrigible.”

William walks in, knowing that it would take a miracle from “Zeus himself” for Edward to escape his fate today. Edward’s body is withered by lesions and scaly skin. He’s become “something else altogether.” William wonders what bothered Dr. Bennett so much, and Edward confides in William that it’s probably his jokes, as he “proudly” recites a “litany” of terrible “doctor, doctor” jokes. William says Dr. Bennett probably wants Edward to be straight with him. Edward’s face falls as he says there’s cure for him now, before mentioning that this reminds him of the “Great Plague of ‘33” before recounting a tale about someone dying and getting rigor mortis mid-breakfast, “spoon lifted halfway to his mouth.”

William interrupts to say “no more stories” or “stupid jokes,” imploring Edward to talk to him “man to man, father to son.” Edward begins a story about his dad but William cuts him off, saying he doesn’t “believe a word.” Wearily, Edward explains that “you’re not necessarily supposed to believe it” so much as “believe in it,” as if it’s a “metaphor,” before cracking a terrible pun. William says that Edward’s jokes keep William “at arm’s length,” as if Edward’s “scared of getting close” to William. Edward looks thoughtful and begins talking about his drunk father before delivering, yet again, a punchline. William, grows irate and demands to Edward tell him something about Ashland, but Edward just cracks more puns.

William reflects to himself that Edward’s “just being him, something he can’t not be,” which is a layer of “facades” masking a “dark place, his life” that neither of them understands. Edward says that he has a “power” and can see death before it comes—William, in spite of himself, is “filled with wonder” and Edward knows it. Edward continues, describing a series of dreams in which he accurately predicts people’s deaths. Finally, Edward begins to describe predicting his father’s death before delivering his punchline about the milkman dropping dead. Infuriated, William gets up and slams the door behind him, as Edward implores William to give him a break.