Big Fish
Edward Bloom is a representation of a big fish, and from his character it can be concluded that big fish represents striving for something greater in life, constantly and restlessly searching for something bigger and never quite being satisfied with what one has. Edward, in particular, reveals to his son that what he wanted the most was to be a great man, which sums up his title of the big fish.
The place with no name
In the story of how Edward, as an almost adult, decides to leave his home in search of greatness, he stumbles upon a place with no name right outside his hometown. The place with no name is symbolic, and it represents fear of leaving the comfort zone, and cowardice to move forward when met with obstacles. The people in the place with no name are mostly those who wanted to leave their home to pursue their dreams, but got stuck, were lulled by doubts, safety and fear from moving forward.
Water
Water is symbolic in the novel, particularly Edward’s love of water. Water represents movement, it is the opposite of stagnation. It also represents adventure and exploration, and Edward’s final transformation into a water creature is appropriate of his character and what he represents.
The swamp
The swamp is the opposite of the flow of water. The swamp represents stagnation and fear of the new, fear of change. Jenny and her story with Edward is symbolic because of the contrast in her character from the character of Edward. Right upon their meeting, this contrast is apparent, when she is the only one who refuses to sell her property to him. The imagery of her looking out of the window as the time passes, and the property around her turning into an uninviting swamp represents the dangers of stagnation and futile wait for the future, without living in the present.
