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Realism is the process of taking everyday life and transforming it into literature. Just as the American realist author William Dean Howells explains through this quote, “Let fiction cease to lie about life; let it portray men and women as they actually are . . . let it speak the dialect, the language that most Americans know.” Through this literary technique we are able to see exactly what happened in the past instead of the Romantic style which emphasized an elaborate and exaggerated version of life. This way of writing that emerged after the Civil War in the late nineteenth century was one Kate Chopin favored. Most of her works, such as “The Awakening” were written through this unique style. However, some often criticized her for just how real her stories were. But the question remains, maybe the readers of that time were not quite ready to see life how it actually was.

The many hardships Americans faced during this period gave more than enough topics for Chopin and other authors to cover. It is through this period we are given the harsh truths on marriage, culture, class and society. Howell’s quote intimately touches on these issues through his words. As in the image, we are able to see an emphasis on certain words. First we are introduced to the idea that life has a language. Through this language Americans are portrayed. However when fiction is involved, actions speak louder than words (dialect). REALISM allows us to see life as we know it. But most importantly realism allows us to see a life without lies.

While reading “The Things They Carried”, I felt a sense of compassion for the narrator. His ideas, almost scatter-brained, took us through the emotional and physical aspects of war. As the reader we were not only introduced to other men in his troop but given an insight to many of their personality traits. He also refers to Martha. The woman back home he longs for. We are with him as he experiences the feeling of confusion between needing, wanting, and loving her and hate.

In comparison to this story, “Forrest Gump” takes the audience through these same feelings. He makes a good friend while enlisting, who is taken away from him and he can also relate to having a lover back home. Just as in “The Things They Carried”, Gump also shows us personal point of view while sharing his tales. We are introduced to his friendships, his history back home, and the hopes for when he returns.

His heart is held by Jenny, his childhood sweetheart. He dreams of being back with her, seeing her again. However, life back home continued without Forrest, and he is left heartbroken to find out she no longer wants to be with him once he returns from the war. Once home we are taken through his determination to earn Jenny’s love back, but unfortunately he is left with disappointment and heartache.

When Jenny discovers she is dying from an incurable disease she searches for Forrest. She tells him about her medical circumstance and also shares she has a son named Forrest. The two get married and live happily for a short while until Jenny passed away.

Although this movie is most commonly described as a love story it also touches the aspects of war and it’s effects on relationships and society. Forrest decides to enlist after graduation. He is sent to Vietnam with his best friend Bubba. Through the films special effects the audience is shown graphic images of the struggling, hurting, and dying soldiers. In this way, the love story almost makes it seem more real. The audience is given something to relate to. We are wishing for his safe homecoming and for many others as well.

The audience is left with the image of Forrest seeing his son off to school. The same image the movie opened up with. This gives the audience a sense of closure. In comparison “The Things They Carried” ended with Cross decided to end his relationship and emotional ties with Martha. His motivation and energy from now on would be focused on his troop.

Forrest Gump is a great example of artistic expression that shows both the patriotism of war, such as Forrest earning a Medal of Honor, and the effects it can have on your loved ones.

In some stories a happy ending can result from love and sharing life with another person, while in others it could be fullfiling your life’s purpose. While you may think you know what ingredients will create this happily ever after, you could be very well surprised.

My momma always said, “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” -Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump Trailer

Sources: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3567517977 , http://www.speakinggump.com/wordpress/?m=201101