The Demise of Optimism In theory, euphoria, like energy, can never be created or destroyed.

This is a result of cause and effect; when one person experiences elation, another must suffer despair. Thus, cause and effect makes the idea of destiny more predictable. Nevertheless, in the real world, destiny seems to manifests itself in unpredictability. Literature has often reflected this peculiar concept. In Robert Zemeckis film, Forrest Gump, the heroic actions of the protagonist, Forrest Gump, help to explain the fickle nature of destiny. A better understanding of destiny can be seen through an analysis of the films opening scene, Forrests relationship with Lieutenant Dan Taylor, and the final scene. While the opening scene presents a delicate feather, the message is all the more powerful. As the feather floats through the sky, the camera orbits around the descending feather. Here, Zemeckis uses a camera technique in order to stress the importance of the feather. When Zemeckis puts emphasis on the feather, he suggests that the feather is a representation of destiny. Thus, the feathers dithering illustrates the arbitrary nature of destiny. While the feather carries on its descent, a slight piano can be heard, creating an elegant atmosphere. The atmosphere creates a profound appreciation for the blissful fall of the feather. In relation, the soundtracks elegance is symbolic of humanitys admiration of destiny and the influence that the concept has over their lives. Following a prolonged drift, the feather settles and is picked up by Forrest Gump. This is demonstrative of Forrests newfound control over his destiny and the destiny of others. It is evident, however, that Forrests mental issues makes him a volatile receptacle of destiny. Nevertheless, destiny is put into the hands of Forrest because he possesses the integrity and responsibility necessary to manage such power.

Forrests relationship with Lieutenant Dan Taylor exemplifies Forrests influence on the destiny of others. During the battle scene, fury can be heard in Lieutenant Dan Taylors voice as Forrest Gump rescues the wounded soldier. Despite Forrests act of heroism, the lieutenants rage suggests that he does not want to be rescued. Instead, the lieutenant wishes to control his own destiny and die an honorable death on the battlefield. Contrary to the lieutenants will, Forrest is unable to comprehend the idea of an honorable death, and ignores the lieutenants plea. After the war is over, an edited stock shot is taken of President Lyndon Johnson awarding the Congressional Medal of Honor to Forrest. Although Forrest does not have the characteristics of an archetypal hero, it is evident that his intentions are just as valiant. Moreover, Zemeckis choice to portray heroism through Forrest, the id of mankind, exploits the heroism that exists at the heart of all human beings. Also, by using a stock shot, Zemeckis attempts to convey reality in order to make the situation, and the message, more relevant and plausible. When the lieutenant is able to swim despite his leg injury, Zemeckis uses set design and lighting in order to create a heavenly atmosphere. While the lieutenant was unable to achieve an honorable death, he was able to manifest himself in the rapture of his new destiny. Without Forrests intervention, the lieutenant would have never been able to experience his newfound harmony. Nevertheless, it is evident that Forrests heroic actions eventually define the lieutenants destiny as well as his own. Thus, it is only through heroes, who go above and beyond the norms of society, that the unpredictable nature of destiny is formulated. Nonetheless, the concept of destiny is called into question during the final scene, where Forrest talks to Jennys grave. As Forrest talks to Jennys grave, the camera angle is shot from the shoulder of the grave, looking towards Forrest who stands directly in front of it. During the film, Zemeckis uses this camera technique to signal a momentous conversation. Forrests

conversation manifests itself in grief and sorrow as he talks to Jennys grave as if she were alive and well. Zemeckis effectively utilizes this technique to exploit pathos, making his controversial perspective of destiny all the more compelling. Although Forrests conversation with Jennys grave is brief, Zemeckis manipulates the element of time when he starts the scene in the morning and ends it late in the afternoon. When interacting with the dead, Forrest enters a timeless realm where he suffers from eternal anguish. While Forrest has positively formed the destinies of others, it is apparent that he has no control over his own destiny. Despite his suffering, he sees a flock of doves which assures Forrest that Jenny will always be with him in spirit. Throughout the film, Jenny tells Forrest that she wants to become a bird and fly away. Thus, this memory allows Forrest to rest, knowing that the spirit of his beloved wife will continue to live on. The film argues that heroic actions allow destiny, even in the form of death, to manifest itself in optimism. Forrest Gumps mental disorder seems to block out pessimism, while streaming positive energy into empty lives. Forrest is the literary id of the film and thus represents the foundation on which mankind was designed. As a result, heroism is present in all human beings; however social norms prevent these individuals from performing heroic actions. When heroism is eliminated, the world returns to a system of cause and effect, where destiny becomes neutralized. It is only through charitable actions that destiny can transform into a genuine ecstasy.