The original reason for choosing this topic in particular was in fact, the main idea of the American Dream, the movie primarily deals with. So, once more I was able to get in touch with the deep routed imagination and values which basically make up American society.
One year ago, when I finished the Foreign Language School in Regensburg, I was really fascinated by having heard so much about, for example, lifestyle, religion and above all cultural details on the second largest continent of the world.
Sometimes people think, living that unlimited American way of life would be the satisfaction of being on earth. At first glance, it might look like this, but it is not always true, especially if you have the chance to delve deeper inside and then you realize the United States of America is not just 50 sparkling stars on our planet, but the country is also a place where you have to fight for your life, for justice and acknowledgement.
Before I start describing Forrest Gump and the way he sees everyone all around him, I have to say that I tried to highlight this work with a short interview with the actor Tom Hanks. Unfortunately, I noticed writing a letter to him which he would have had to answer, would have been too uncertain and furthermore it most probably would have taken too much time. Nevertheless, I did my very best to create a short interesting, expressive dissertation.
Table of Contents
Preface
1. The actor Tom Hanks
2. General overview of the movie’s gist
2.1 Tom Hanks and his personification of Forrest Gump
2.2 The five main characters
3. The character Forrest Gump: an idiot or simply an unexpected genius?
4. The contrast between Forrest Gump and Jenny Curran
5. General definition of the “American Dream“
5.1 Historical background and the present day situation
6. Connection between the film and the basic idea of the “American Dream“
7. The Vietnam War – a destruction of the “American Dream“
8. Forrest Gump and some key features of American history
9. Representation of the “American Dream“ in special scenes
9.1 Praying for shrimps and Gump’s donation to Bubba’s mother
9.2 Running across America
9.3 Forrest’s life fulfillment when finally starting a family
10. Conclusion
11. Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This thesis examines the concept of the "American Dream" as portrayed in the 1994 film "Forrest Gump". The central research question explores whether the protagonist’s life represents a genuine realization of this ideal or serves as a parody of traditional American values.
- Analysis of Forrest Gump as a character and symbol of American history.
- Evaluation of the "American Dream" definition and its historical origins.
- Examination of the film's reflection of historical political events.
- Comparison of the divergent life paths of Forrest Gump and Jenny Curran.
- Critical discussion of the impact of the Vietnam War on the American identity.
Excerpt from the Book
9.1 Praying for shrimps and Gump’s donation to Bubba’s mother
After the war in Vietnam where Forrest’s most special friend died, he is destined to make their originally planned dream come true – the possession of his own shrimp boat and later perhaps the result of that success, their own shrimping business. As the whole situation changed due to the sad incident of Bubba’s death, Forrest decided to take on the challenge alone. Anyway, when Lieutenant Dan receives “Captain” Forrest’s proud letter, he comes along to have a look at what has been happening in the meantime and subsequently the two men finally agree to sail across the oceans and shrimp together. The only thing, they have not thought about was that shrimping is not as easy as it seems to be. Therefore Forrest joins a gospel group in a church where he regularly simply prays for shrimps. And of course it worked because after an upcoming heavy storm, all shrimping boats were totally destroyed except for theirs and so in this way they are able to fish more shrimps than they ever could think of, which makes them millionaires. The energy invested in praying to God came down to earth and they realised there is something above that might help you in desperate situations.
Furthermore, as the whole shrimping affair firstly had not only been Forrest’s plan, he takes the share Bubba was supposed to get and makes a generous donation to Bubba’s mama, who is not at all one of the richest people in the country.
This once again represents such a basic “American Dream” ideology. The just distribution of their own earnings in order to make others happy and to help those who don’t have the chance to escape poverty. Normally, it is a feeling deep within ourserselves, which tells us to show understanding and a sense of compassion to neighbours and people, we are more or less strongly related to (cf. Mooney, C. F., 1977, p. 13).
Summary of Chapters
Preface: The author explains the motivation for choosing the topic, rooted in a fascination with American culture and the desire to explore the "American Dream" through the lens of the film.
1. The actor Tom Hanks: This chapter outlines the biography of Tom Hanks and his rise to fame, noting his professional evolution and personal connection to the character of Forrest Gump.
2. General overview of the movie’s gist: Provides a synopsis of the film, highlighting the narrative structure, the protagonist's background, and his journey through various stages of American history.
2.1 Tom Hanks and his personification of Forrest Gump: Discusses how Tom Hanks' personal experiences and acting style contributed to his authentic portrayal of the protagonist.
2.2 The five main characters: Describes the key figures surrounding Forrest and how their relationships define his personal development and values.
3. The character Forrest Gump: an idiot or simply an unexpected genius?: Analyzes the dichotomy of the protagonist's perceived low intelligence versus his success and resilience.
4. The contrast between Forrest Gump and Jenny Curran: Compares the characters' life paths, emphasizing Forrest’s stability versus Jenny’s restless search for freedom and meaning.
5. General definition of the “American Dream“: Defines the core concept of the "American Dream" as the possibility of success through hard work and the pursuit of happiness.
5.1 Historical background and the present day situation: Traces the term to the Pilgrim Fathers and reflects on its evolution and current challenges in American society.
6. Connection between the film and the basic idea of the “American Dream“: Connects the protagonist's accidental successes to the wider ideological narrative of American possibilities.
7. The Vietnam War – a destruction of the “American Dream“: Discusses the negative impact of the Vietnam War on the idealistic perception of the American national identity.
8. Forrest Gump and some key features of American history: Examines how the film incorporates real historical figures and events, effectively embedding the protagonist into American history.
9. Representation of the “American Dream“ in special scenes: Analyzes specific sequences that demonstrate the application of American values in the story.
9.1 Praying for shrimps and Gump’s donation to Bubba’s mother: Highlights themes of faith, entrepreneurship, and communal responsibility.
9.2 Running across America: Explores the concepts of individual freedom, self-discovery, and the rejection of societal expectations.
9.3 Forrest’s life fulfillment when finally starting a family: Analyzes the character's emotional culmination and final perspective on achievement and legacy.
10. Conclusion: Summarizes the thesis, reflecting on the film's significance as both an entertaining story and a philosophical prompt about destiny.
11. Bibliography: Lists the sources used for the compilation of the seminar paper.
Keywords
Forrest Gump, American Dream, Tom Hanks, American History, Vietnam War, Self-fulfillment, Destiny, Hollywood, Character Analysis, Cultural Identity, Happiness, Resilience, Social Values, Success, Biography
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this seminar paper?
The paper explores the representation and validity of the "American Dream" through the cinematic narrative of the film "Forrest Gump".
Which thematic areas are covered in the work?
The work covers themes such as the definition of the American Dream, the historical context of the USA in the late 20th century, the role of destiny, and the comparison between different life philosophies.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine if Forrest Gump's life story acts as an authentic embodiment of the American Dream or if the film uses the character as a parody of these ideals.
Which methodology is utilized?
The author employs a film and literature analysis, interpreting the movie's content against historical facts, literature on the American Dream, and character studies.
What topics are discussed in the main section?
The main section covers the actor Tom Hanks, the historical background of the American Dream, the influence of the Vietnam War, and specific film scenes that mirror American values.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
Key terms include American Dream, Forrest Gump, American History, resilience, destiny, and cultural identity.
How does the author interpret the character of Forrest Gump in relation to his IQ?
The author argues that while society views Gump as an "idiot," his life proves that heart-led actions and simple obedience can lead to success, suggesting he is an "unexpected genius."
What role does Jenny Curran play in the analysis?
Jenny represents the "unfulfillment" and restlessness of the American society, acting as a contrast to the stable, deeply-rooted character of Forrest.
How does the paper classify the film "Forrest Gump"?
It classifies the film as a complex piece of art that can be seen as either a parody or a typical example of the American life journey.
What is the significance of the "shrimping" scene mentioned?
The scene is interpreted as a manifestation of the American Dream, showing how faith and persistence lead to success, followed by the moral act of giving back to those in need.
- Quote paper
- Julia Schart (Author), 2006, The American Dream in "Forrest Gump", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/503416
