AP US HISTORY FORREST GUMP Name _________________________________

BEFORE THE FILM

The story follows the life of low-I.Q. Forrest Gump and his meeting with the love of his life, Jenny. The film chronicles his accidental experiences with some of the most important people and events in America from the late 1950's through the 1980's. He meets with various US presidents, goes to war, marches for peace, etc. Forrest is too dumb to realize the importance of the events around him and in his own role in shaping history.

AP US HISTORY FORREST GUMP Name _________________________________ DURING THE FILM Directions: Individually, while watching, put the following sentences from the movie into the order which they appear in the movie. Who said the following to whom and in what context? Explain the meaning and/or the significance of the sentence in the movie.

_____ 1. “Your mama sure does care about your schooling”.

_____ 2. “There are two standing orders in this platoon.”

_____ 3. “It used to be I ran to get where I was going; I never thought it would take me anywhere.”

_____ 4. “His back is as crooked as a politician.”

_____ 5. “I sure hope I won't let him down.”

_____ 6. “I got to see a lot of countryside. We took these long walks. And we were always looking for a guy named Charlie”

_____ 7. “I've heard some stories, but that tops them all.”

_____ 8. “It bit me directly in the buttocks.”

_____ 9. “I was messed up for a long time.”

_____ 10. “You cheated me! I had a destiny.”

_____ 11. “He had him a guitar case.”

_____ 12. “ Someone from his family had fought and died in every American war. I guess you could say that he had a lot to live up to . . . “

AP US HISTORY FORREST GUMP Name _________________________________ DURING THE FILM Directions: Working independently, answer questions 1-3 as you watch the film.

1. The movie “Forrest Gump” focuses on many events from American history. Attach a separate sheet with

a list of these historical events. What details do you know about each event?

2. The United States went through a great deal of social changes between the 1950’s and the 1980’s which

are touched upon in the film. What are they? Discuss each. Write your response in the space below.

3. One of the big issues in the film is discrimination against those who are different from others in some

way. In what ways does Forrest Gump face or observe discrimination? Give examples from various

parts of the film in the space below.

AP US HISTORY FORREST GUMP Name _________________________________ AFTER THE FILM

Directions: Answer the following questions in the space provided.

1. How did Lieutenant Dan and Bubba relate differently to the war in Viet Nam? Discuss in the space below.

2. What does Jenny’s character represent during the Vietnam era of the film? Explain in the space below.

3. How do Lt. Dan’s attitudes change during the course of the film? Discuss in the space below.