Forrest Gump vs. Billy Pilgrim! (You knew this was coming!)

Coincidence, or fate? It just so happened that I watched the movie Forrest Gump for the first time only a few days before we started reading Slaughterhouse Five. Unfortunately, I was a little late on pointing out in class (I believe it was Jason who beat me to it) what I believed to be a unique observation of the similarities between the two protagonists of both works, Billy Pilgrim and Forrest Gump. The movie was still fresh in my mind, and it had a lasting impression on me with its memorable characters, unique tale, and inspiring messages. This lead to a spark in my mind upon entering the world of Billy Pilgrim. The similarities between Forrest and Billy are quite obvious, although some stark contrasts are also visible between the two characters.

Well, the producers and directors
definitely got this wrong. Does
this look for Billy really seem
 innocent and confused? 

Both Forrest and Billy, while fully grown adults, seem to give off an innocent, almost child-like vibe. I can't help but feel that it really isn't either of their faults when they make idiotic mistakes. Forrest attacks his crush's boyfriend while they are kissing, in the belief that he was forcing himself upon her and causing her some sort of pain. He says things in serious moments, like when his friend is discussing his loss of limbs and religion, that show that all he is is an overgrown child, such as, "I'm going to heaven, Lieutenant Dan." Billy, as we've all seen, tends to be the shy little kid who can't seem to get anything right. He dresses inappropriately for war, notices strange and pointless things instead of paying attention to the task at hand, and is also physically small-sized, thus giving the impression that he is younger and potentially more foolish to others. 

Another thing they have in common is their ability to look ahead and plan their lives. Billy seems to wander around in life aimlessly, relying on his family, the sympathy, kindness, and generosity of others, and pure luck to get him through life. He marries a desperate women who's father gives him a good job, his daughter cares for him when he seems to go insane, and he was lucky to be given a chance by the public to speak out about time travel. 

Hmm...Forrest Gump doesn't look so
helpless or clueless here either. 

Forrest also relies very heavily on luck/chance and the actions of others to move on with his life. His mother sleeps with a school principal to allow him to enter, since his own efforts were futile (his IQ was 75, 5 points below the minimum of 80 to enter public school). Forrest's speed is also coincidently discovered by football coaches, which would soon translate into a scholarship and a chance to go to college. 

A major difference between the two characters is their attitude, however. Billy, as we described him previously in class, seems to have an existentialistic view on life. There isn't very much to motivate him to do more than exist. He tells his companions during war to keep moving and leave him behind, instead of keeping a positive view and attempting to stay alive. Forrest, on the other hand, is rewarded the Medal of Honor by the army for his rescue efforts during the Vietnam War. While Billy willingly gives himself up, Forrest tries to help others and save as many people as he can. He is also consistently believing that there is a chance his love for Jenny can be fulfilled, and that they can live happily ever after. This sense of hope and his ability to be more than a bystander makes Forrest stand out when compared to Billy, who seems to be just...there.