The movie Forrest Gump demonstrates the idea of destiny through speech and actions of characters. Three different interpretations of destiny are revealed by three different people. The movie does a good job of using entertainment to appeal to the viewer and incorporate a hidden meaning at the same time.
First, Lt. Dan explains his view on what destiny is. Lt. Dan states, "We all have a destiny. Nothing just happens. We all have a plan." This means that every person is set to a particular plan for life when he is born. Each person is locked in to how they will live life and how they will die. Lt. Dan believes he was cheated out of his destiny. He should have died in the war just like his father and grandfathers before him, but Forrest cheated him out of dying. Life after that was very meaningless and non-fulfilling until later in the movie when he changes his views. Lt. Dan's theory of destiny is the people are given a plan in life when they are born into the world.
Next, Forrest's mother states her opinion on the idea of destiny. She says, "I believe we make our own destiny. You have to do the best with what God gave you. You have to figure out your own destiny. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you"re gonna get." With this explanation of destiny, a person is expected to deal with whatever comes in his way. Forrest's mother depicts her idea very well. She is dealt many road blocks in her life. For example, she has sex with Forrest's principal so Forrest can attend public school, and she raises Forrest the best she can despite his differences. Forrest's mother does the best she can to be successful in all situations she encounters in life. She is a perfect example of her explanation of destiny. .
Finally, Forrest sums up his idea of destiny. Forrest states, "I don't know if we each have a destiny or if we"re all floating around accidental-like on the breeze.
