Big Fish: Part 2: On Meeting the In-Laws Summary & Analysis

William explains that Sandra’s father (Mr. Templeton) is a hairless farmer who adores Sandra. In his senile old age, Mr. Templeton even thinks Sandra hung the moon for him. Edward and Sandra are nervous because they eloped without telling her father and are driving to her childhood home to meet the parents. Sandra’s father rides up on horseback as Sandra introduces Edward as the man she’s married. Her father starts shaking, looks deep into Edward’s eyes, and bursts into laughter. 

When they go inside, Edward explains—with carefully thought out “simple, yet profound words”—that he loves Sandra and he’s going to take care of her. Mr. Templeton is oblivious, however, as he’s busy recalling that he knew a man named Bloom when he was in the cavalry. Edward compliments Mr. Templeton’s horse, and Mr. Templeton is pleased. He spends the rest of the day talking about the cavalry and explaining that Jesus went to Oxford University, before shaking hands to say goodbye without mentioning the marriage, which he appears to have forgotten about.