"The world will never be the same once you've seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump."
Forrest Gump - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Feather
The feather symbolizes the central theme of destiny versus chance. Its unpredictable path on the wind mirrors Forrest's own view that life might be a combination of random events and a predetermined path. It represents the beauty and randomness of life's journey.
A feather appears at the very beginning of the film, floating down to Forrest's feet at the bus stop. It reappears at the end, flying away from Forrest and his son, suggesting the continuation of life's journey and its inherent uncertainty.
Box of Chocolates
This symbolizes the unpredictability and variety of life's experiences. As Forrest's mother says, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." It reflects Forrest's simple, accepting approach to whatever comes his way.
Forrest offers chocolates to the people he sits with at the bus stop while recounting his life story. The quote itself is one of the most famous lines from the film and encapsulates its core philosophy.
Running
Running is a recurring motif that represents freedom, escape, and a way for Forrest to process his emotions. For Jenny, it's a means of escaping her abusive childhood. For Forrest, it begins as an escape from bullies and evolves into a form of meditation and a journey of self-discovery.
Jenny's cry of "Run, Forrest, run!" is a recurring line. Forrest runs from bullies, runs across the football field, runs through Vietnam, and embarks on a three-year cross-country run after Jenny leaves him, becoming a national phenomenon.
Birds
Birds symbolize freedom and escape, particularly for Jenny. Having been abused by her father, she prays to become a bird so she can fly far away.
As a child, Jenny prays in a cornfield, "Dear God, make me a bird. So I could fly far. Far far away from here." At the end of the film, after Forrest visits Jenny's grave, a flock of birds suddenly takes flight from the tree above, suggesting her spirit is finally free.
Philosophical Questions
Are our lives governed by destiny or by chance?
The film explores this question through its central characters and recurring symbols. Lieutenant Dan believes in a fixed destiny, while the floating feather suggests randomness. Forrest ultimately concludes that both forces are at play simultaneously, suggesting a complex interplay between fate and free will. His own life seems to be a series of accidental encounters that lead to extraordinary outcomes, leaving the audience to ponder the nature of their own paths.
What is the true measure of a person's worth?
"Forrest Gump" challenges the conventional valuation of intelligence. Despite his low IQ, Forrest's unwavering kindness, loyalty, and integrity allow him to achieve great success and positively impact those around him. The film posits that character, not intellect, is the ultimate measure of a human being, using the mantra "Stupid is as stupid does" to emphasize that actions define a person.
Can one remain innocent in a cynical world?
Forrest navigates some of the most turbulent and divisive moments in modern history—from the Vietnam War to political assassinations—with his core innocence intact. He observes events without judgment, taking them at face value. This contrasts sharply with Jenny, who is consumed and damaged by the same historical forces. The film uses Forrest as a lens to question whether it's possible, or even desirable, to maintain a simple, uncorrupted worldview in the face of widespread social upheaval and cynicism.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Forrest Gump" revolves around the idea that a person's worth is not defined by their intelligence, but by their kindness, loyalty, and integrity. Director Robert Zemeckis presents a narrative where a man with a below-average IQ can lead a more fulfilling and impactful life than those who are considered more intelligent. The film suggests that life is a combination of destiny and chance, famously articulated by Forrest's reflection: "I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both." Ultimately, the movie carries a message of hope, perseverance, and the importance of simple human decency in a complex and often cynical world.