Film Study - Hector and the Search for Happiness

Directions: Choose 2 of these discussion questions to respond to, plus one of the rules Hector wrote in his journal. Write deeply and with elaboration.

  1. Hector’s story is written almost as a bedtime story, from a naïve, childlike perspective. What can the author accomplish from this narrative style that he might not be able to do with a more adult or realistic style?
  2. Many of the people Hector encounters in the developed country where he practices psychiatry are unhappy. What is the cause of their unhappiness?
  3. One of Hector’s earliest discoveries is that comparing one’s self with others is a surefire route to unhappiness, yet throughout his travels he continues to make comparisons—for instance, with the people working in Chinese factories who have not had the opportunity to go to school. Is he better off not thinking this way, or are some comparisons useful?
  4. Globalization is an important theme in this book. What is the connection between globalization and happiness?
  5. The character of Édouard seems to represent a particular type of unhappy person. Do you know anyone like this, and do you think they are capable of finding happiness?
  6. Hector juggles different feelings of love for women in his life. How does his love from Ying Li differ from his love for Clara, and which one is more sustainable over the long term?
  7. Lesson number seven, “It’s a mistake to think that happiness is the goal,” would seem to contradict Hector’s entire quest. How does Hector reconcile this lesson with his continued search for happiness?
  8. What does Hector learn about the role that alcohol, beauty, and sex play in making people happy? Are there dangers to relying on these sources for happiness?
  9. When the boss of the gang in the African country sees Hector’s notebook, he decides to let Hector go. What is it about the notebook that inspires him to do this?
  10. Hector’s journey culminates in a meeting with a professor who researches happiness. Do you think happiness is a worthy subject for academic study, and do you think it’s possible to scientifically quantify it?