What are some ways that Forrest Gump is like an epic hero and epic story?
An epic hero takes on “legendary” status. During the movie, Forrest Gump, the title character, has frequent brushes with major historic events. he is involved in developing popular culture and meets people who shape history. This definitely gives him “epic hero” status within the movie…but certainly not in reality. The movie itself spans an entire lifetime (and three generations) within the Gump family. This too, demonstrates “epic” plot qualities. Whenever a story covers multiple lifetimes and examines events across generational lines, it may be considered epic. Although the movie (and character) Forrest Gump have epic qualities, whether they have the stay-power of Hiawatha remains to be scene (sic).
