Big Fish 8th grade Summer Reading Assignment

BEFORE YOU BEGIN READING, read “An Introduction to Big Fish” located in the back of the novel on

pages 1-3 of the Reader’s Guide. The commentary provides important background information and gives

you an idea of what to watch for as you read.

When we begin class discussion in August, we will focus on both “the big picture”(what these stories

mean about William and Edward’s relationship, why the pattern of development of the novel is

important, how the stories work as references to a greater mythology) and the smaller details (what

each of the stories represents specifically). Make sure you mark passages in your book that address

these topics. I will expect to see that you have taken notes and marked significant passages in your book

as you read.

Finally, you need to answer the four questions listed below. All answers must be typed and double

spaced. Your answers must:

Be thorough and detailed. I will expect each to be at least ½ a page long. Remember, however,

that average or minimum work earns an average, minimum grade. Some answers may require

more than one paragraph.

Be thoughtful and show insight. You are not simply retelling the plot; you are explaining to me

what is important about events and characters. Your answers should do more than just repeat

surface level details.

The following questions can also be found in the back of the book in the “Questions for

Discussion” section, pages 8-9 of the Reader’s Guide.

1. Throughout Big Fish, Edward tells his son that stories and jokes are in many ways better

than the official version of reality. William’s own reaction to this statement changes; he tells

us that his father’s greatest power was the ability to make him laugh, but he also says that

he’s fed up with the endless stream of jokes. By the end of the book, has William accepted,

rejected, or modified Edward’s philosophy about the importance of jokes?

2. Edward not only wants to be a great man, he wants his son to confirm it. What are Edward’s

standards for greatness? How are they different from William’s? Why does Edward need his

son’s approval, when he’s already charmed people across the world?

3. Mythical heroes usually undertake a quest for an object or some knowledge. What is

Edward’s quest? Does William have a quest?

4. How do the tales of Edward Bloom’s life change once he has a son? What is Edward’s

reaction to fatherhood? Is he diminished by it? Fulfilled by it?

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The movie and the book are significantly different. Do not simply watch the movie

and expect to pass. The questions on the summer reading test will focus on

information not found in the movie.

Remember, too, that this grade will contribute significantly to your first quarter

grade. Be thoughtful in your responses.

Finally, consulting an outside source like Sparknotes for information on this book

(or any other) is considered an Honor Code violation. If I suspect that you have

used Sparknotes or any other such outside source, I will consider it a disciplinary

issue and I will turn your work over to Mr. Myler for investigation.

You can email Mrs. Whitaker at Irene.whitaker@stratford.org if you have any questions

during the summer.