Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Big Fish is the title of the book, but it is also used in various contexts throughout the story.

• What is the meaning of “big fish” in the novel? (topic sentence)
• Provide three examples of the use of big fish in the novel and what it means to Edward as it is used to describe him.
• In your concluding sentences, explain why you think Big Fish is an appropriate title for the novel.

2. Water is used throughout the book to mark important events in Edward’s life.

• How is water used as a symbol in Edward’s life? (topic sentence)
• Explain why it is important that it began to rain when Edward was born, why Edward is referred to as a big fish, and why the water at the ending of the novel is appropriate for Edward’s life.
• In your concluding sentences, explain why you believe the author chose to use water as a symbol in Edward’s life.

3. Big Fish contains many allusions to classical and mythical hero quests like those of Odysseus.

• Who do you believe William and Edward represent in relation to the Odyssey? (topic sentence)
• Provide three examples of the ways in which Edward and William’s life mirrors that of the characters and plot scenarios in the Odyssey.
• In your concluding sentences, explain why you think Daniel Wallace used  a format similar to that of the Odyssey to tell Edward’s story.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. In the novel, Edward is described by William as a mostly absent father and someone whom William wishes he knew better. How does Edward view fatherhood? What are Edward’s feelings following the birth of William? Why do you think, based on the novel, Edward is often absent on business trips? Does Edward’s attitude toward fatherhood change in the novel?

2. The reader learns who William is in the three imaginings and the fourth revelation of what happened to Edward on his deathbed. What do William’s imaginings say about his personality? What details do the imaginings reveal about William and his feelings about his father? What does the final imagining say about William as a storyteller?

3. Edward’s quest to find satisfaction in life ultimately becomes his desire to achieve immortality. Explain how Edward believes he can achieve immortality. What does William think about this concept? Do you believe Edward managed to achieve immortality by the conclusion of the novel? If so, how did he accomplish it? If not, why did he not succeed in this quest?