Word Count: 1,124 Random Chocolates When you open a box of assorted chocolates, what do you see? Some people look, and they know that there are some chocolates mixed in that are absolutely horrid, and they do their best to escape them. Others see the candies and know that one of them will be their demise, but they eat them all anyways. However, a few people gaze into the box and see an opportunity for surprise with each morsel. In the movie Forrest Gump, the concept of destiny is viewed by the characters in various different ways. Lieutenant Dan believes in predetermined destiny, Jenny spends her entire life trying to take control of her destiny, and Forrest simply takes life one step at a time, believing that destiny is about the …show more content…

As a young boy, Forrest not only has scoliosis, but also a below average IQ of 75. However, with his momma’s constant encouraging words, “you’re no different than anybody else, Forrest” and “stupid is as stupid does”, Forrest grows into an inspiring character. Forrest does not truly understand the concept of destiny. He rarely thinks about the purpose of events or where the destination of his life lies. When he befriends Jenny, their differing personalities and characteristics—which only deepen as they grow older—causes Forrest to ponder the notion of destiny. One night, Jenny and Forrest were talking and she asked “do you ever dream, Forrest, about who you’re gunna be”? Forrest is confused by this question and states “aren’t I going to be me”? Forrest never thinks ahead, he simply does as he is told and faces the obstacles life throws at him as they come along. Everything in Forrest’s life happens by chance. He never looks for something better to come along, and he does not think that events will happen before they have occurred. While running from bullies and stumbling onto a school football field, interrupting practice, Forrest’s impressive speed captures the eyes of coaches. From there, he is recruited after high school to play for the University of Alabama’s football team, and with an IQ of only 75, he achieves a college degree. When Forrest graduates, he is met by an army recruiter who asks him if he