Each of us wants to find happiness in one form or another. We hope to obtain material objects or attain non-material moral and societal standards because we trust that these things will bring us happiness. British literary critic Matthew Arnold believed in adopting disciplined strategies that minimize the role of chance in order to ensure happiness. He asserted that true happiness comes only through reading the standard-bearers of literary achievement, the “classics.” Arnold insisted that only by reading the classics can a person attain culture: a set of common meanings and values that can then be applied to the real world and guide an individual on how to live a life worth living (5). To stray from this well-ordered path, he warned, is to fail to reach the final goal of perfection. Arnold, writing in the mid-19th century, rejected the notion that culture can be obtained from any other source, and dismissed contemporary film and literature as superficial, without substance, and to be avoided at all costs.
Fellow academic Raymond Williams agreed with Arnold on this topic; he too denigrated modern media as low-brow babble aimed at an expanding audience presumed to be stupid. Williams recognized the value of classic education, yet also believed that “ordinary,” working-class people, and not the elites, have a culture that can teach us valuable lessons on how to live a happy life (4). Each man overlooked the potential insights to be found in the newest generation of literature and film.
The 1994 film Forrest Gump presents a theory of happiness born of both education and ordinary experience, enhanced by the role of free will and chance. The protagonist is a simple, small-town man who by conventional standards is lacking in both culture and intelligence, yet exemplifies both in the unorthodox, almost accidental fashion in which he lives out his life. Forrest is not well-read, but heeds his mother’s sage advice. He is optimistic, avoids judging others, and is kind and respectful to everyone he meets. He is a shining example of the honorable culture of the poor that Williams touts. The film celebrates the simple truths of blue-collar values, which can be just as illuminating as classic literature. It also demonstrates that happiness can be found in a life led without a plan.
Forrest takes life as he finds it and without any clear path, but succeeds and finds joy in every situation he faces because he responds to each in the same cultured manner: with kindness, respect, integrity, and optimism. The feather that floats through the air at both the beginning and end of the movie is a perfect metaphor: Forrest never knows where his life will take him next, but he goes with the flow and he finds happiness at all stops along the way because that is what his mother taught him to do. From a young age, Forrest listened to his mother’s advice. One quote, in particular, always comforts and reassures him: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Surprises are to be expected, and some are more pleasant than others. He lives his life by this motto, and and it guides him through a most astonishing series of random events. He finds himself in the middle of some of the most important moments of his generation: dancing to the music of a young Elvis Presley in his home; meeting presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon in the White House; and fighting in Vietnam. Through it all, he maintains his same demeanor. He even wins a Purple Heart simply because he keeps two promises: he promised Jenny he will run away from the conflict when things got bad, and he promised his good friend Bubba that he had his back, just as Bubba had his. Bound by his culture to keep these promises, he carries countless wounded men out of the field of battle, including Bubba (who does, however, die). This keeping of promises as a means of survival is exactly what Raymond Williams is talking about when he discusses the culture of the ordinary people.
In his essay entitled “Culture is Ordinary,” Williams describes the selfless deeds his neighbors perform in assistance of his family while his father was on his deathbed: “one man came in and dug his [father’s] garden; another loaded and delivered a lorry of sleepers for firewood; another came and chopped the sleepers into blocks; another – I don’t know who, it was never said – left a sack of potatoes at the back door; a woman came in and took away a basket of washing” (11). His neighbors perform these acts of kindness without even saying they did them and with the expectation that, were they in the same situation, Williams and his family would do the same for them. Forrest does the same, even when he is mistreated. He generously gives Bubba’s share of profits from the business they hoped to start together to Bubba’s mother, even though she called him stupid for even starting the company on his own. He also donates large sums of money to institutions that have helped him in the past, thereby returning the favor. Forrest’s life is grounded by his values, and he is a happy man.
The life of Forrest’s one true love, a hometown girl named Jenny, illustrates a life defined by chance and whim and unanchored by culture. Jenny did not have good parenting, and her childhood was filled with brutality and betrayal. Her adult life is defined by a series of poor choices. She is dismissed from college because of a series of lewd photographs, performs topless at a club in Memphis, continues a harmful relationship with an abusive jerk and Black Panther Party member, and samples various psychedelic drugs with hippies. She achieves nothing of permanence in her life, and as a result is so unhappy that she considers suicide on several occasions. This unhappiness is consistent with Arnold’s theory that happiness is created by doing things that cannot be taken away.
But when Jenny needs help, and even when she really doesn’t, Forrest comes to her aid. He punches out a myriad of men who he believes to be a threat to Jenny over the course of the movie. His constancy is a perfect counterbalance to her many missteps, because, although his life is far from well-ordered, he is steady, anchored by his values, and finds happiness in simple things. He tries to help Jenny do the same.
With all of the poor choices Jenny made throughout her life, she acts as a foil to Forrest. The fact that they grew up together in the small town of Greenbow, Alabama, did not result in them internalizing the same culture. The fact that it was a small town should not be romanticized, because that town included much meanness and treachery. Forrest and Jenny are products of the best and the worst in rural values.
Greenbow contradicts Raymond Williams’ notion that culture of a town is particularly good just because it is small and ordinary. The people of Greenbow call Forrest abusive names. The school principal extorts sex from Forrest’s mother as a condition of accepting Forrest into the school. Mrs. Gump does what she has to do to make sure that Forrest gets the education he needs so he can fit in more with the other kids his age. In this light, Mrs. Gump’s conduct aligns with the ideas of Arnold in that she believes Forrest will be better off if he learns “the best which has been thought and said in the world, and through this knowledge, turning a stream of fresh and free thought upon [his] stock notions and habits” (Arnold 5). She believes that the knowledge Forrest will gain in the regular elementary school will improve the quality of life. She realized what Raymond Williams did not: that a child like Forrest needs education to complete his “culturization” and ability to more intimately relate with the world around him.
Arnold and Williams are both products of their time and place. It is understandable that, as a highly educated British theorist, Arnold would assume that only people of comparable intellectual potency could be considered cultured. So, too, is it understandable for Williams, a small-town boy who, although he attended a prestigious university, grew up in a working-class town, to believe that his own origin is a superior place of culture and intelligence. Both Arnold and Williams refuse to acknowledge that a culture other than their own is indeed legitimate. In the final analysis, neither of these men took into account that a work such as Forrest Gump could reveal so much about culture. Neither Arnold nor Williams imagined a person quite like Forrest Gump – a feather blowing in the breeze.
Bibliography:
Arnold, Matthew. Culture and Anarchy (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006).
Williams, Raymond. “Defining a Democratic Culture.” Resources of Hope: Culture, Democracy, Socialism (London: Verso, 1989).
FAQs
Forrest Gump opens and closes with the image of a white feather floating through the air. In the opening, it comes to rest in Forrest's suitcase. At the end, it flies back up into the air, helping to symbolize the cycle that has now been completed—specifically, the cycle of life and death, and one of new beginnings.
What does the feather symbolize? ›
The feather, for example, is a powerful symbol that signifies honor and a connection between the owner, the Creator, and the bird from which the feather came. It symbolizes trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power, and freedom. It is an object that is deeply revered and a sign of high honor.
What does the feather in the wind mean? ›
Do you make your own destiny or are we all just floating around in the breeze? Forrest Gump opens with a feather falling from the sky and being tossed around in the wind. This feather becomes part of the greater metaphor of Forrest's life and the events we see on screen.
Why did Forrest put the feather in the book? ›
Quick Answer: The feather in Forrest Gump reflects many of the film's messages: life is full of uncontrollable events, innocence is lighter than air, some things are the result of luck, and the fact we never know what is next on the horizon for us.
What is Forrest Gump mental illness? ›
In fact, two Japanese doctors have started down that path, perhaps tongue in cheek, and made an official diagnosis of Gump according to the DSM-IV autistic disorder criteria, ruling out possible alternative diagnoses such as Rett's disorder or childhood disintegrative disorder according to observational evidence ...
What virus did Jenny have? ›
Jenny Dies From Hepatitis C In The Forrest Gump Books.
Is a feather a symbol of truth? ›
There are so many different interpretations of the symbolic meaning of feathers. Some people believe they represent Truth, Speed, Lightness and Protection.
Which feather is the symbol of a coward? ›
The white feather is a widely recognised propaganda symbol. It has, among other things, represented cowardice or conscientious pacifism; as in A. E. W. Mason's 1902 book, The Four Feathers. In Britain during the First World War it was often given to males out of uniform by women to shame them publicly into signing up.
What does it mean when a feather finds you? ›
For many within the faith, the connection to angels is the strongest spiritual meaning that shines through. The wings of an angel are a reminder that we fly above all obstacles we experience. Finding a feather can indicate that your guardian angel is near or has a message it wishes for you to hear.
What Bible verse has a feather in it? ›
Psalms 91:4 In-Context
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
The original comes from Shakespeare in The Winter's Tale where Leontes uses it to describe what has been called his 'witless affection' for Perdita, a lowly shepherd girl who turns out to be his long lost daughter. He says,' I am a feather to each wind that blows.
What does a feather symbolize in heaven? ›
What Is the Symbolic Meaning of a Feather? Many Christians believe the appearance of a white feather has an angelic connection. Some believe their guardian angel is communicating with them and offering a message of love, comfort, hope, and peace.
What does Forrest Gump say at the end? ›
I think I'll go home now. English: On the side of the road that goes into the Monument Valley (Utah) there is a sign that marks the spot of the movie scene where the character Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run.
What was Forrest Gump's IQ? ›
Plot. In 1981, a man named Forrest Gump recounts his life story to strangers who happen to sit next to him at a bus stop. As a boy in 1956, Forrest has an IQ of 75 and is fitted with leg braces to correct a curved spine.
Where did Forrest Gump get the feather? ›
A feather is seen at the beginning of the Forrest Gump film, floating through the wind and lands at Forrest's feet. He picks it up and places it within his Curious George book. Later, as he gives the book to his son, the feather falls out and floats away; as such, it serves as a bookend for the movie.
Why did Jenny leave Forrest after sleeping with him? ›
He'd be a great father and she'd never have to worry or want for anything ever again. After some time there, Jenny gets cold feet because she realizes she could never love Forrest, or maybe feels guilty about the plan she made. Jenny then leaves, perhaps deciding to bear the responsibility for the child on her own.
Is Bubba autistic? ›
History. Bubba was drafted into the United States Army, and was sitting on the bus heading to basic training when he first met Forrest, offering him a seat next to him. He is diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder.
Did Jenny actually love Forrest? ›
Yes, she does. However, as shown in the film, Jenny was so emotionally damaged that she was unable to make good choices for herself until the end of the film. That's when she moved herself and her son in with Forrest. She always loved Forrest; but she took the long road to get there.
Was Forrest Jr really his son? ›
Family. Little Forrest (referred to in the film as Forrest Jr.) is a character in the Forrest Gump novel and film. He is the son of Forrest Gump and Jenny Curran and is played by Haley Joel Osment in the movie.
How old was Jenny when she died? ›
| Jenni Rivera |
|---|
| Rivera in 2009 |
| Born | Dolores Janney Rivera SaavedraJuly 2, 1969 Long Beach, California, U.S. |
| Died | December 9, 2012 (aged 43) Iturbide, Nuevo León, Mexico |
| Cause of death | Plane crash |
18 more rowsOne scene shows Jenny snorting co*ke at a party. Cigarette smoking for the time period capture. A woman is shown snorting cocaine (very briefly). It is later implied that she had just injected herself with heroin.
What does the devil's feather mean? ›
We were talking about someone once, and she said, “Oh, she's the devil's feather.” She explained that it was originally a Turkish phrase meaning 'a woman who stirs a man's interest without realizing it. ' When you think about it, any victim of a stalker is a devil's feather.
What is the three feathers symbol? ›
The Prince of Wales's feathers is the heraldic badge of the Prince of Wales, during the use of the title by the English and later British monarchy. It consists of three white ostrich feathers emerging from a gold coronet. A ribbon below the coronet bears the motto Ich dien (German: [ɪç ˈdiːn], "I serve").
What does a black feather mean? ›
Black feathers symbolize the end of something unwanted, such as a situation or relationship. It can signify that better things are ahead and to expect significant changes in your life.
What bird has a feather with a heart? ›
A female Northern Flicker has started visiting our feeder and I feel so lucky! With stripes and dots, striking yellow feathers under her wings, and a bright red heart on the back of her head, she's definitely one of the more stylish birds to join the crew!
What God is associated with feathers? ›
The ancient Egyptian god Shu is represented as a human with feathers on his head, as he is associated with dry and warm air.
Which feather is lucky? ›
The white feather has long been associated with good luck. In many cultures, it is seen as a sign of hope and promise. For example, in the Native American tradition, the white feather is often given to someone who is grieving in order to remind them that they are not alone and that there is still beauty in the world.
What does it mean when a GREY feather falls in front of you? ›
Some people believe that an angel has the ability to drop a feather that could be white, black, or gray. The feather selected indicates the message the angel wishes to send. The gray feather means that the angel watches over you and wants you to know that they are communicating with you.
What does a feather falling next to you mean? ›
In their most basic meaning, feathers symbolize the divine as they come from birds flying close to the sky. But they can also represent a sign of a loved one who is no longer on the physical plane, but sends us his presence, his embrace, his feelings.
What does feather mean in astrology? ›
A feather has multiple meanings. Usually linked to a favorable prognostic it represents veracity, love, a protector of evil and new beginnings.
The feather may be a validation of your intuition or a hunch you had been feeling to follow one path or another. Feathers may also appear in your dreams, in which it would be helpful to ask yourself similar questions.
Where in the Bible does it say no hair will fall? ›
Luke 21:18 in Other Translations
18 But not a hair of your head will perish! 18 Even so, every detail of your body and soul - even the hairs of your head! - is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. 18 but not a hair of your head will be lost.
Where in the Bible does it say heart light as a feather? ›
His spirit was buoyant and he felt “as light as a feather.” Take time to laugh! (Eccl. 3:4).
What is the proverb of a feather? ›
Birds of a feather flock together is an English proverb. The meaning is that beings (typically humans) of similar type, interest, personality, character, or other distinctive attribute tend to mutually associate.
What is the proverbs of fine feathers? ›
Beautiful clothes confer beauty or status on the wearer. Cf.
What is the feather speech? ›
The Feather Speech is a national conservation campaign for swifts and other cavity birds, supported by the RSPB and Rewriting Extinction.
What does a feather have to do with death? ›
Lifting the burden: When a family plans for death
For what it's worth, reference.com says that spiritually, a white feather is “typically seen as a sign from an angel or spirit of a loved one who has passed on.
Do feathers appear when angels are near? ›
A Flurry of Feathers…
…or even a single feather is thought to be one of the most familiar ways an angel messenger may attempt to connect with us. If you keep finding feathers appearing out of nowhere, often in random places, chances are it's a gift from the angels.
What kills birds and leaves only feathers? ›
If you find just piles of feathers lying around, chances are this was a raptor attack as they have habits of stripping their prey before consuming it. With cat attacks, I often find the whole body, with either a broken neck or a missing head.
What was Forrest Gump's most famous line? ›
Can you believe it's been nearly 29 years since Forrest Gump sat on that bench and delivered his famous quote, “life is like a box of chocolates”? On July 6, 1994, the slow, but sweet character played by Tom Hanks entered theaters—and our hearts.
“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.” –Forrest Gump.
What is the saddest scene in Forrest Gump? ›
When Forrest leaves the letter at Jenny's grave. The pain and emotion in Tom Hanks's performance in the scene is absolutely amazing. He just sounds so broken, like he doesn't know how to keep going, but he knows that he can't give up either.
What is Albert Einstein's IQ? ›
His performance beats those of physicists Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein, who were both estimated to have IQs around 160.
Who has the highest IQ in the world? ›
William James Sidis has the World's Highest IQ. Anywhere from 250 to 300 is his IQ score, almost twice the score of Albert Einstein. At the age of eleven, William famously entered Harvard University, becoming the youngest person to enter. He also claimed to be conversant in 25 languages.
What happened to Jenny father in Forrest Gump? ›
However, Jenny's home life was not nearly as happy as Forrest's: her mother had died when she was five and her father was an alcoholic who molested and beat his children (until Jenny was taken away to live with her grandmother), and Forrest's friendship offered her an escape.
Was Jenny the villain in Forrest Gump? ›
There is something else, though, that the film has come to be remembered for over recent years. That is, for crafting one of cinema's most nefarious “villains.” By this, we refer to none other than Jenny Curran, played by the talented Robin Wright.
Why does Jenny want to be free as a bird? ›
Jenny, being the spiritual person she is, believes that her spirit animal is a bird. Perhaps this is why she's so tempted to jump from high places - because she believes she could just spread her arms open like wings, and fly.
What was Jenny's destiny in Forrest Gump? ›
She refuses to be put in a cage, she wants to fly. By the end however, Jenny does decide she wants to find a nest and settle down with Forrest and their son.
What does the white feather mean when someone dies? ›
The white feather meaning related to death is believed by many to be a form of communication from the deceased. Other people believe that a white feather is an angelic message of love and encouragement.
