Short Stories - Forrest Gump (Summary)

Summary of Forrest Gump

Born in Greenbow, Alabama in the early 50ies, Forrest Gump has a difficult childhood. His low intelligence, IQ and disabled feet give people the reason for teasing the boy. Only his mother, a proud single woman, believes in Forrest and wants her son to live a normal life. 

Since his first day at school Forrest has been knowing Jenny Curan, a cute little girl, but she also suffers from terrible childhood experiences that mark her for life.   In his teens Forrest Gump successfully plays for a football team after surmounting his physical handicap.

In the army he meets his best friend Bubba, a young black soldier, who inspirates Forrest and his future life. After being sent to Vietnam, Forrest starts a shrimp business at the Golf Coast in order to keep Bubba’s spirit alive who did not survive the Vietnam War. Helped by his former Vietnam superior Lt. Dan, Forrest Gump accidentally earns a lot of money from his shrimp business.  But nevertheless, Forrest tries to live a simple life and all he wants is to meet Jenny again. He met her several times before, but they always separated for some reasons. 

During his chequered life, Forrest is an inspiration for many people although he himself does not realize the impact he leaves. Finally, Forrest meets Jenny again who surprisingly has got a child with Forrest. Only a little time after their marriage Jenny dies and for Forrest a totally new stage of life starts: the role of a single father.

1. What makes Forrest successful despite his disability?
2. The famous quote from the movie. What do you think?
 "Life is like a box of chocolate, you'll never know what you gonna get."