Abstract

Forrest Gump has drawn much attention from people around the world. In 1995, Forrest Gump won 13 Oscar Award nominations, and finally it won 6. It’s not just a successful story, but also a public phenomenon with deep meanings. What we can learn from the characters of the story is too much, and the story reflects the chaotic society of the US in 1960s, especially the American Dream. Gump is a character that the author creates to represent the American Dream. His simple but grateful attitude to life is the best interpretation of American cultural values. And the American Dream is the reflection of American values. This paper expounds the main characters in the story that may help analyze the American Dream’s origin and development, as well as the influence on Americans.   

Key words: Forrest Gump, American Dream, American history

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

I. Introduction-1

II. The social background of Forrest Gump-1

2.1 The disturbance of Tuscaloosa Alabama-2

2.2 The Vietnam War-2

2.3 Ping-pong Diplomacy-2

2.4 The Watergate Scandal-3

III. The introduction of American Dream-3

3.1 The Definition of American Dream-3

3.2 The Origin of American Dream-3

3.3 The Evolution of American Dream-4

IV. The Reflection of the American Dream in Forrest Gump-5

4.1 The Characteristics of Main Characters-5

4.1.1 Forrest Gump-6

4.1.2 Gump’s Mother-6

4.1.3 Lieutenant Dan-7

4.1.4 Jenny-8

4.1.5 Bubba-8

4.2 The Reflection of American Dream on the Characters-9

V. The Influence of American Dream-10

5.1 The positive influence of American Dream-10

5.2 The bad influence of American Dream-11

VI. Conclusion-11

References-12