Irony of Edward Bloom as a father
“Big Fish” is essentially a story about a father and son and their relationship. William introduces his father as a myth, and that is not only applicable to his fantastical adventures, but also to their relationship. Edward is a myth to William as well because of his scarce presence in his son’s life, because of which, father and son never got close to each other. It is Edward’s adventurous and restless spirit that makes him a myth, but it also prevents him to form deep relationships, with his son in particular.
Irony of Karl the Giant
Karl the Giant is introduced as an ever-growing creature that ends up becoming a threat to the entire Edward’s hometown. He devours their food and pets, and people are scared of him. To put an end to this terror, Edward decides to visit him in his cave, and it turns out that Karl the Giant is a lonely and hungry person, who is regretful of the harm he caused to others.
Irony of The place with no name
The place with no name is a town right after Ashland, similar, but with a different, menacing atmosphere. It is a town everyone who wants to leave Ashland has to pass through. The place is symbolic, and it represents fear and self-doubt that prevents one to follow one’s dream. It is ironic because most of its residents are those who wanted to leave Ashland to pursue their dreams, but were pulled in into the comfort zone of fear and doubt.
Irony of the end
The end of the “Big Fish” takes on an unexpected turn. Edward Bloom is on his deathbed, but he talks his son into getting him out of the hospital. The entire novel is constructed as an expectation of his death, and at the end he doesn’t really die, but transforms into what he’s always been, a big fish.
