Book:

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Movie:

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Discussion questions:

1. Edward and Will Bloom have a different idea of how you can make your life a success. What are their views and what role does family play in it? 

2. The title Big Fish comes from the phrase: "He never wanted to be a big fish in a small pond". What does it mean and why?

3. In his life, Edward Bloom meets many freaks, such as a witch, a giant, a circus ringmaster who turns out to be a werewolf, Siamese twins. He also ends up in the strange town Spectre. What is the role of these freaks and why does he meet them? What is Spectre?

4. The main difference between the book and the movie is the romance between Ezra Templeton and Edward Bloom. In the movie, Edward remains loyal to Sandra, in the book he has an affair with Ezra. Does the affair make sense to you? Why do you think there is this difference between the book and the movie?

5. Big Fish is partly an autobiographical novel/movie. Wallace himself had a very distant relationship with his father who was a trade tycoon, a world traveler and a fantastical storyteller. Edward Bloom doesn't know Will well either because he was never present at important events in his life. Do you think the son and the father want to get to know each other? How do they deal with each other? Does the fact that the book/ movie is partly autobiographical influence your opinion?

6. How do the characters (Edward, Will, Sandra) deal with death and illness in the book and in the movie?

7. The book Big Fish is only 180 pages and mainly takes us through Edward Bloom's life. The movie was made into a wonderful fable by Tim Burton (Director of Edward Scissorhands). What role do stories play in Big Fish? What role do stories play in our own lives? Should we believe everything? Do you believe the stories in Big Fish?

Do you want to discuss this book or others? Join the group.

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