Forest GarbitratorStarring Tom Hanks, it is widely considered one of the best films of all time. Based on Winston Groom's 1986 novel, the various life events Forrest Gump goes through while pining for his childhood sweetheart. The film follows his struggles as a child to his role as Forrest Gump in the Vietnam War. By taking this direction, Forrest Gump manages to offer a mix of optimistic and dark moments, which reflect the ups and downs of the character's life. Interestingly, this dark aspect of the film is in line with the origin of its name.
Forrest Gump's likeability overshadows his connection to a real-life historical figure. Unfortunately, his name is linked to a piece of 19th century American history that is both abhorrent and shameful. However, the film does not ignore the connection between them and in fact builds on it when telling the story of Forrest Gump.
It's easy to forget that Forrest Gump was explicitly named after a Ku Klux Klan leader
Forrest Gump was named after Nathan Bedford Forrest
Forrest Gump's name has an incredibly dark origin, as he was named after a leader of the Ku Klux Klan named Nathan Bedford Forrest. However, it's easy to forget this shocking detail given the nature of the film and the character himself. Forrest Gump, which does not display racist ideologies, is an optimistic and Forrest as a character is easy to root for with your hopeful and kind nature. Therefore, Forest Gump's the dark background is not only forgettable but also independent of the character.
Nathan Bedford Forrest was in the Civil War before 1867, when he became the first grand wizard of the original Ku Klux Klan. Howeverthe extent of his influence in the KKK has been disputed due to a lack of sources and his contradictory testimony regarding his denial of membership in 1871, but his involvement in the white supremacist group helped it expand and gain more members. As they share the same name, Forrest is another important historical figure in Forest Gump.
The reason Forrest's mom called him “Forrest” gets worse the more you think about it
Forrest Gump's mother's reasoning is terrible
Forest Gumphis mother named him after Nathan Bedford Forrest due to him being her ancestor. According to the film, her intention in naming him after a racist historical figure is to remember that “Sometimes we all do things that, well, just don't make sense.” Forrest's mother's reason for naming him not only makes sense, but it's a deplorable reason. For one thing, she named her son after a Ku Klux Klan wizard who was also a Confederate, so your story is being honored through Forest Gump.
The reason for naming Forest Gump after Forrest is horrible, as logic itself seems to try to rewrite Forrest's racist attitudes.
The reason for naming the character Forrest is misleading, as the logic itself seems to attempt to rewrite Forrest's racist attitudes and actions. Hers "it doesn't make sense”The argument indicates that his mother's main motivation is to use Forrest to right the wrongs of his ancestor and rewrite his history. However, this cannot be done due to regrettable beliefs and actions that cannot be ignored. With your reasoning and motivation, Forrest's role is now confusingas your true goal in Forrest Gump, Now that he shares the name of a hateful ancestor, it's reliving Forrest's life.