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What's Eating Gilbert Grape Essay

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What’s Eating Gilbert Grape provides a window into the lives of a family living with disabilities and the challenges which they impose. Set in the tiny town Midwestern town of Endora, the film revolves around the Grape family consisting of the brothers Arnie and Gilbert, their two sisters Ellen and Amy, and their morbidly obese mother Bonnie. The film is set over the space of several weeks during the summer, as we witness the family’s daily struggle to survive and remain functional on a low household income and without a father figure, coupled with Arnie’s intellectual disability and their mother’s physical impairments. The film focuses mainly on Gilbert and his struggle to hold his dysfunctional family together, work at the town’s corner store, run repairs on the family’s run down farm house, and constantly yet tirelessly take care of his younger brother Arnie. Ultimately there …show more content…

We see that when he tries to overcome this issue, it has a direct impact on Arnie’s wellbeing. When Gilbert stays out to watch the sunset with Becky, he leaves Arnie in the bath alone, thinking he will be able to wash himself and dry afterwards. However Arnie does not get out of the bath and is not found until the next morning. Later, Gilbert is with Becky in a field, with Arnie nearby. Gilbert does not watch Arnie close enough, and he wanders off to climb the water tower again, resulting in Arnie’s arrest. Gilbert’s financial circumstances are also very limited. Gilbert continues to keep his job at the grocery store as it allows for Arnie to be present while he works so he can provide care if needed. At the end of the film Bonnie passes away, which can almost be seen as a burden being lifted for Gilbert and his sisters. Ellen is able to move away and work in a bakery, Amy follows and enjoys changing schools. Gilbert and Arnie meet up with and join Becky and her Grandmother in their camper

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