Name: Daniel Harkins

-Work of Fiction: “Forrest Gump” the film

-Research Question: Does the film “Forrest Gump” accurately portray the historical events that occurred during the period surrounding the Vietnam War in which the film is based upon? (Is it accurate?)

 

American History is a renowned sub-genre in literature that has sparked a plethora of books, articles, journals, and films. These compositions serve the essential purpose of lecturing individuals about the unique history of the United States. It is vital that the historical legitimacy of these compositions is assessed in order to clarify the significance of each occurrence for Americans. The film “Forrest Gump” is a story about a young man from Alabama growing up during the mid-20th Century. Throughout his development, he is made vulnerable to many defining events of the latter 20th century that influence his character and psychological configuration. The events that occur throughout the film are said to be introduced chronologically and with historical accuracy. However, before we can rely on the validity of the films contents, we must assess and compare the occurrences found within the film to the actual events that occurred throughout this era. The research question I chose serves to clarify the accuracy of the films many components in relation to the ideas and events that unfolded during the period surrounding the Vietnam War. Although many claim that this Academy Award Winning film portrays accurate accounts of the tragic events that occurred during the era, there are still skeptics opposing the validity of events and ideologies proposed within the film. Historical occurrences were not the only critical topics significant to this era; ideas, themes, and opinions of Americans during this time should also be assessed to better comprehend the importance of this film. As a student with a family background encompassed with military personnel and Vietnam War veterans, I find value in the cultural and historical significance of this film. Growing up, I have found interest in reading and analyzing compositions that relate to American History, and the film “Forest Gump” to me reflects a general scheme of life during this dramatic era. I am excited to analyze the peer-reviewed sources that I have curated in relation to this film, and I hope that I can successfully answer my proposed research question regarding the historical validity of the events and ideas the unfolded throughout “Forrest Gump”.