Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Part I

Reading Check

1. What is the agricultural problem the people in Alabama face the year Edward is born?

2. What happens the moment Edward is born?

3. What is Edward unusually gifted with as a boy?

4. What does Edward build when Alabama has its first snow?

5. What is Edward’s talent regarding identifying people without seeing them?

6. What is revealed about Edward’s health?

7. According to Edward, what prevented him from being home more often?

8. How does the girl in the river thank Edward for saving her life?

9. What rumor circulates about catfish in Ashland?

10. Where must Edward travel if he wants to leave Ashland?

11. How does Edward meet the Jimsons?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Edward’s story reveal about his personality?

2. How does Edward keep the giant from taking from the village? What does this give Edward a reputation for?

Paired Resource

“The Three Types of Myths”

• This article describes some of the types of narratives that occur in mythology.
• Of the three types of myths listed in the article, which applies to the stories in Big Fish? What is the purpose of this form of mythology? How is this article related to the theme of The Role of Storytelling?