THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS Name
We have discussed the concept of reframing in this class. To consistently reframe negative experiences, we must demonstrate persistence and optimism. It helps for us to examine examples of such persistence and optimism. The Pursuit of Happyness is based on the true story of Chris Gardner. If you know the story, you know that persistence is a trait that Gardner demonstrates. If you don’t know the story, watch as the movie unfolds and use the questions below to help you write a short paper on persistence and optimism. The paper must be on a separate sheet of paper and must include reflections about the movie. Please attach these questions to the paper.
1. What is Gardner’s situation when we first see him? What are his dreams and goals? Discuss his relationship with his son; why is that relationship important to him?
2. What is his relationship with his spouse/significant other? What difficulties are they having? How do they approach these problems differently? What decision does Gardner make which seems to demonstrate the difference between the two of them?
3. What challenges does Gardner face in taking the internship? How does his significant other react to that plan? What decision does she make? How does that demonstrate the difference between the two of them?
4. Rather than recount and follow through every plot line, begin to discuss the subsequent events in the film. Name at least five times in the film where Gardner might have stopped pursuing his dream. How did his ability to reframe help him overcome these challenges? How did his persistence and optimism help him achieve his dreams?
5. Is Gardner the “perfect” person? What are his strengths and weaknesses? How do they help him achieve his goals?
Use the answers to the above questions to write a paper which reflects on the events in the movie and the concepts of reframing, persistence, and optimism.