Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions

In the novel, Edward’s life is told as a mythic tale; consequently, the reader may have difficulty distinguishing fact from fiction. Even Edward’s son, William, seems to have difficulty deciphering what Edward’s life was truly like. Describe The Role of Storytelling in the novel. As you formulate your response, consider these questions:

• Why does Edward tell tall tales?
• Why are the stories important to the events that occur in Edward’s life?
• How does storytelling affect Edward’s relationship with William?
• What role does mythology play in Edward’s tales?
• What do the stories reveal about Edward as a person? How does Edward make an argument for stories to his son?
• What does the conclusion of the novel reveal about William’s own propensity for storytelling?

Teaching Suggestion: It might be helpful for students to address the bulleted questions with brief brainstorming sessions or discussion with a partner before addressing The Role of Storytelling. Students may benefit from access to the novel or their reading questions to look back on specific examples of Edward’s stories. You might ask students to follow up by generating examples of other books and films in which The Role of Storytelling is a theme or component.