Willy Vs Forrest Gump Essay

Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, is a book in which the main character tries continuously to become a great salesman. Forrest Gump, directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a movie in which the main character has low IQ, yet grown to be a gentleman because of the help especially from his mother. Although two stories are similar in that Willy and Forrest are single- minded, both characters differ in self- understanding and outcome of their lives.
Both Willy and Forrest are similar in that they are single- minded. From attending Dave Singleman’s funeral, Willy learned that Dave was loved by dozens of people and that he wants to become just like him. Willy tries to become a great salesman during his entire lifetime; however, he could not make his dream come true because of his lack of talents. Similarly, Forrest is single- minded towards Jenny. He kept thinking about her wherever he was. For instance, when Forrest was at the Vietnam War, away from Jenny, he wrote her letters so that she will know how he was doing. Also, he said, “but at nighttime when there was nothing to do
Since Willy could not become what he wanted, he is lost to the very end, presenting that he is at a nadir point. For example, Willy tells his boss that “Isn’t it remarkable that you are my only friend?” Also, he gives away all his money to the waiter at Frank’s Chop House showing that he has made a decision to let go of his life. Conversely, Forrest ends up happily with Jenny. Since Jenny is now stabilized, they are finally together and Forrest is accepted as he is. They get married, had a child name Forrest, and lived happily ever after until Jenny’s death. Both characters have a different destiny in each story. In conclusion, Death of a Salesman and Forrest Gump are similar in that Willy and Forrest are single- minded, yet both characters differ in self- understanding and outcome of their