Symbolism In What's Is Eating Gilbert Grape

Different films use different styles in presenting the information to the readers. The strength of the information to be passed also depend on the symbols, images and other style used. Symbols involve something that is visible in the films and can be used to express the main information represented in the film. Some films may not have a clear summary of what is going on but through the symbolism style, the reader can keenly observe the film and understand the author's message to the readers. The film, "What's is eating Gilbert Grape", by Lasse Hallstrom, the author applies various symbols to pass the information to the readers. In the film, the main character, Gilbert, has a lifeless live with his mother who is suffering from obesity and his

His caring is also shown in the way he takes the responsibility to take care of his obese mother and the mentally handicapped brother. His fulltime hardworking symbolizes the way he is concerned with caring for his sister and mother. The caring of Gilbert is also evidenced by helping the little kid. In the story, a little child comes running into the window to have a look at Bonnie. When Gilbert sees the little child struggling to see in, instead of chasing the child away he picks him up to help look in. He feels worthy to lift the child instead of chasing him. This shows how Gilbert is caring for both the old’s and the young ones. He shows uniformity to any age.

Arnie runs Becky's grocery but on their way to home, he drops Becky's bag on the ground. Gilbert cleans the spills on the bag while balancing Becky's bike on his back. He, therefore, becomes a kickstand to the bicycle. This symbolizes that Gilbert is between the love for Becky by showing a lot of concern by supporting the bicycle on his back while cleaning the spills on the bag. To help win his love to Becky, Gilbert shows a lot of concern to his brother and also feels worthy to clean the spill on Becky's bag to show how strongly he loves