May 12, 2009

Madness and Civilization 2                                   

Instructor: Svitlana Kobets, PhD

Class 5: Robert Zemeckis, Forest Gump (film, 1994)

Discussion questions:

1. What in your opinion could have prompted the director to frame his narrative by a flying feather? What is its significance?

2. How do we first meet Forrest Gump? What is our first impression of him? How do people at the bus stop view him?

3. What (events, words, objects) triggers Forrest Gump’s story-telling? Take, for example his story about his ‘magic shoes.’

4. How is the narrative built? How many perspectives does it offer to the audience?

5. What are the most peculiar aspects of Forrest Gump’s life story?

6. What place do relationships play in Forrest Gump’s life? Do people important to his life have anything in common?

7. Forrest’s mother states that all people are equal and urges her son not to let anyone convince him otherwise. How does the film argue pro or contra this statement? What events are important to the development of the theme of human equality?

8. At different times Forrest Gump’s mother, Lt. Dan and Jenny talk about their destiny/dreams. How do they view their place in life? How does Forrest view them, their achievements and/or dreams?

9. What are Forrest’s achievements? How does he view them?

10. Are the Presidents of the United States important to this narrative?

11. Do you agree with Ocala Star-Banner who in his review article called Forrest Gump a great American hero?