Symbols and Tropes
Feather
Forrest Gump opens and closes with the image of a white feather floating through the air. In the opening, it comes to rest in Forrest's suitcase. At the end, it flies back up into the air, helping...
Box of Chocolates
If 1994 remembers anything from Forrest Gump, it's Forrest's favorite phrase: "My momma always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get." You can buy it on a...
Leg Braces
In his younger years, Forrest needs to wear leg braces because, in his doctor's words, "his back's as crooked as a politician." At first, these leg braces are an outward symbol of Forrest's profoun...
Running
Forrest runs away from racist bullies. Jenny runs away from her father. Forrest runs toward Jenny, away from battle, across the United States, and through the football field. Jenny is constantly tr...