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Author:

winston was a writer and a journalist, born in 1943 he’s mostly known for his novel “Forrest Gump” he was raised in alabama and was in the vietnam war too, he used his experiences to write more deeply his stories, his novel gives the message that a simple man can live an extraordinary life

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Funny moments:

-The explosion of the boiler in the army

-forrest showing his wounds to the president -sue ruining a chess tournament

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Little Forrest

-forrest’s son

-he’s smart and kind

-wants to be a football player like his father

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Mr. Tribble

-old man that discovers forrest’s hability with chess

-brings forrest’s to chess tournaments

-represents a supportive figure in forrest’s life+

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Sue

-a chimpanzee that goes to space with forrest

-becomes friends with forrest

-lives with forrest

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Bubba

-forrest’s college partner

-likes shrimps

-wants to have a shrimp factory with forrest

-dies in the vietnam war

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Jenny Curran

-friend and lover of forrest

-doesn’t have an easy life

-main singer of a band

-haves a son with forrest

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Forrest Gump

-main character

-he describes himself as an idiot but he’s really smart

-he’s kind, honest and haves a big heart

-plays american football, he fought in the vietnam war, met the president, he became an astronaut, chess player, owner of a shrimp factory and an actor

-plays the harmonica -intelectual limitations

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Setting of Forrest Gump

1. Greenbow, Alabama (Forrest’s Hometown)
The book begins in a small town in Alabama, where Forrest grows up with his mother. This setting is quiet and simple, full of traditional values. Forrest’s home life is modest, and the environment reflects a peaceful, Southern American lifestyle. However, he also experiences bullying and isolation in school, showing that even calm places can have challenges.

2. School and University
Forrest's time in school starts in a special education setting, then moves to high school and university. The school environment is difficult at first due to how others treat him, but later becomes more supportive when he joins the football team. At university, the setting is more competitive and fast-paced, with large football stadiums and strict sports training fields.

3. Vietnam War (Jungle and Battlefield)
One of the most intense settings in the book is the jungle during the Vietnam War. It is described as wet, dangerous, loud, and violent, with constant rain and surprise attacks. The jungle is confusing and terrifying, filled with danger, fear, and sudden explosions. This chaotic setting contrasts sharply with Forrest’s calm personality.

4. The White House (Washington, D.C.)
Forrest visits the White House after winning a medal. It is a formal and elegant place, filled with important people. The environment is polite and official, but Forrest’s humorous and honest behavior adds lightness to the serious setting.

5. Space and the Jungle (Again)
A surreal part of the book takes Forrest into space with an ape, and then into a different jungle after the spacecraft crashes. The jungle again becomes a wild, survival-based setting, but this time less violent and more like an adventure.

6. Los Angeles (Chess and Movie Studios)
The setting changes again to Los Angeles, a glamorous and strange place filled with actors, film sets, and tournaments. Forrest becomes briefly involved in acting and chess, and the environment here is fast-moving and unpredictable.

7. Bayou La Batre (Shrimp Business)
Forrest settles in a small fishing town where he begins the shrimp business. This setting is quiet, coastal, and hardworking. It's a return to a simpler life, full of boats, nets, and peaceful daily routines. It represents stability and success.

8. Savannah, Georgia (Final Scenes)
Toward the end, Forrest travels to Savannah and plays his harmonica in a city park. The environment is calm and peaceful, with trees, benches, and quiet streets. It’s in this tranquil setting that Forrest reconnects with Jenny and meets his son. The peaceful park reflects a more mature, reflective stage in his life.

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Themes in Forrest Gump

1. Innocence and Goodness
Forrest represents pure-hearted innocence. He always tries to do what’s right, even when the world around him is chaotic or unfair. His kindness and honesty guide him through life and win people over, even if they underestimate him.

2. Destiny vs. Choice
The story explores whether life is controlled by fate or our own decisions. Forrest doesn’t overthink his choices—he follows his heart and adapts to whatever life brings. His famous line, “Maybe it’s both,” suggests that both destiny and choice shape our lives.

3. Love and Loss
Forrest's deep, lifelong love for Jenny is central to the story. Despite being treated unfairly or left behind, he remains loyal. The theme shows that love is powerful but can also be painful, especially when people live very different lives.

4. The Value of Friendship
From Bubba to Jenny to Sue the ape, Forrest builds real friendships. His loyalty to Bubba leads him to start the shrimp business. These relationships shape his journey and show the importance of companionship and keeping promises.

5. War and Peace
The Vietnam War plays a major role in the story. It shows the horror of war, the confusion of soldiers, and how different people react to it. Forrest survives not by understanding the politics, but by being brave and loyal to his friends.

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Comparison Between the Book and the Film of Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump, originally written by Winston Groom and adapted in simplified form in the Penguin Readers Level 3 version, tells the life story of a man who, despite being considered an "idiot," experiences an extraordinary range of adventures. The 1994 film adaptation, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, is one of the most iconic films of modern cinema. While both the book and the movie share the same central character and general plot, they differ significantly in tone, content, and emotional focus.

One of the main differences lies in the portrayal of Forrest himself. In the book, Forrest is more self-aware, sometimes sarcastic, and even shows moments of cleverness. He openly calls himself an idiot but often surprises people with his actions. In the film, however, Forrest is depicted as more innocent and emotionally sensitive. His simplicity is highlighted not as a weakness, but as a strength, and Tom Hanks's performance adds depth and sympathy to the character.

Another major difference is in the tone and style. The book is written in a humorous, lighthearted way and often exaggerates events for comic effect such as Forrest becoming an astronaut, going to space with an ape named Sue, and winning chess tournaments. These surreal events do not appear in the film. Instead, the movie takes a more emotional and realistic approach, focusing on historical events like the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and American pop culture.The film is designed to be inspiring and sentimental, while the book leans more toward satire and adventure.

The character of Jenny is also treated differently. In the book, her role is more limited, and her story is less emotionally developed. She appears and disappears throughout Forrest’s life. In the film, Jenny’s personal struggles are portrayed in much greater depth. Her tragic background, involvement in the counterculture movement, and eventual death add a strong emotional layer to the story. The film gives more attention to the idea of unconditional love Forrest never stops loving Jenny, despite her troubled life.

The ending of each version further illustrates the differences in tone. In the book, Forrest meets his son and chooses to stay away so the child can grow up without having an "idiot" for a father. In contrast, the film gives a more hopeful and emotional conclusion: Forrest raises his son after Jenny’s death, showing growth, responsibility, and a full circle of love.

In conclusion, both the book and the film version of Forrest Gump explore similar themes such as loyalty, love, fate, and personal value but they present them in very different ways.

The book is quirky, comedic, and fast-paced, ideal for readers who enjoy adventure and humor. The film is emotional, reflective, and deeply human, touching the hearts of audiences through powerful performances and dramatic storytelling. Each version offers a unique interpretation of Forrest’s journey, making both worth experiencing.

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Teachings of Forrest Gump

1. Being Different Is Not a Limitation
Forrest is often called an "idiot," but he accomplishes more than most people around him. The book shows that intelligence isn’t the only form of value—kindness, loyalty, and determination matter just as much. Even with limited academic ability, Forrest lives a full and meaningful life.

2. Success Comes in Many Forms
Forrest becomes a football star, a war hero, a ping-pong champion, a shrimp boat captain, and even a space traveler. The story teaches that success doesn't always follow a traditional path—being true to yourself and doing your best can lead to unexpected achievements.

3. Loyalty and Friendship Are Priceless
Forrest’s loyalty to people like Jenny, Bubba, and his mother is unwavering. He keeps promises (like starting the shrimp business for Bubba), stands by his friends, and shows that true friendship goes beyond words or appearances.

4. Love Can Be Complicated, But It's Worth It
Forrest’s love for Jenny is pure and constant, even when she doesn’t always treat him kindly. The book portrays love as messy and imperfect but also powerful. Forrest shows that loving someone means accepting them, even when things don’t go the way you hoped.

5. Do the Right Thing, Even If It's Hard
Whether it's saving fellow soldiers in war, taking care of people, or stepping away from things he doesn’t understand, Forrest always tries to do what he believes is right. The story emphasizes the importance of integrity and doing good, even when others don’t expect it from you.

6. Life Is Full of Surprises
Forrest never plans his life in a traditional way—he follows opportunities as they come. This teaches that life doesn’t always go as expected, and sometimes the best things happen when you’re open to new experiences.

7. You Don’t Need to Be Perfect to Make a Difference
Despite being considered “slow,” Forrest makes a huge impact on those around him. The book shows that anyone, regardless of background or ability, can contribute to the world and leave a legacy.

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Forrest Gump – Plot

Forrest Gump is the story of a simple yet extraordinary man from Alabama, whose life takes him on an incredible journey across American history, fame, and personal discovery. Though Forrest considers himself an "idiot," his sincerity, honesty, and unique talents lead him into remarkable experiences.

From a young age, Forrest is misunderstood and bullied due to his learning difficulties. However, he proves everyone wrong when he becomes a high school football star, thanks to his ability to run exceptionally fast. His football talent earns him a place at university, where he reconnects with his childhood friend and love, Jenny Curran.

After university, Forrest is drafted into the army and sent to Vietnam, where he displays great bravery in battle, saving several comrades and earning a medal. While there, he forms a close bond with Bubba, who dreams of starting a shrimp business. Sadly, Bubba dies in combat, but Forrest promises to honor their plan.

After Vietnam, Forrest becomes a national hero, meets the President, and even goes to space with an ape named Sue. He later becomes a successful chess player and a wrestler, though his honesty and naivety often lead to trouble. Despite his fame and fortune, Forrest never forgets Jenny.

Eventually, Forrest finds Jenny again, and she introduces him to his son, also named Forrest. Realizing that his son is intelligent and has a bright future, Forrest chooses to support him from a distance, believing it's the best thing he can do as a father.

The story ends with Forrest quietly reflecting on his life one filled with adventure, love, loss, and the simple wish to do the right thing.

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Song

-Hound Dog. Elvis Presley

-Rebel Rouser. Duane Eddy

-Walk Right In. The Rooftop Singers

-Land of 1000 Dances. Wilson Pickett

-Blowin' In the Wind. Joan Baez

-Fortunate Son. Creedence Clearwater Revival

-Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch

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Sad Moments:

- Bubba's death: a dear friend, someone with whom you shared everything. That's how Forrest feels with Bubba's death. It's a brutal blow, a void that is never fully filled. In both the book and the film, the rawness of that loss is felt.

- Forrest's loneliness: Despite having friends and success, Forrest feels alone. It's as if he carries an invisible backpack full of sadness, a sadness that comes from the difficulty of deeply connecting with others. It's a loneliness that is felt even in moments of joy.