The World According to Garp

The World According to Garp

Year: 1982

Runtime: 136 min

Language: English

Director: George Roy Hill

DramaComedy

Born from an unusual circumstance—his mother’s encounter with a dying pilot—T.S. Garp experiences a unique and unconventional upbringing. A sensitive and observant writer, he grapples with his identity while navigating a world increasingly shaped by his mother’s feminist activism. As he pursues his passion for storytelling, Garp confronts the challenges of family, love, and the often-turbulent nature of human relationships, seeking to find his place and voice within the surrounding chaos.

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Timeline – The World According to Garp (1982)

Trace every key event in The World According to Garp (1982) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Birth of T.S. Garp

T.S. Garp is born under unusual circumstances as the child of feminist icon Jenny Fields. His conception occurs after an empathetic encounter between Jenny and a brain-injured soldier during World War II, leaving an extraordinary mark on Garp's legacy.

World War II
2

Jenny's Writing Success

As Garp grows up, his mother, Jenny Fields, establishes herself as a significant feminist figure through her acclaimed book, *Sexual Suspect*. Her work emphasizes the complexities of human sexuality and enables her to create a sanctuary for troubled women.

3

Garp's Literary Debut

Garp fulfills his ambitions as a writer by publishing his debut novel, which captures the interest of Helen Holm, the daughter of his wrestling coach. Their romantic relationship flourishes, leading to a marriage that changes Garp's life significantly.

4

Fatherhood Begins

After marrying Helen, Garp embraces fatherhood, welcoming two sons, Duncan and Walt. While he manages his writing career, Helen dedicates herself to academia, creating a balanced yet complex dynamic in their family life.

5

Visit to the Sanctuary

Garp frequently visits his mother's sanctuary, learning about the unique lives of its residents, such as Roberta Muldoon, a transsexual former football player. This exposure nurtures Garp's understanding of the diverse struggles faced by others.

Jenny's Sanctuary
6

The Ellen James Incident

During one visit to the sanctuary, Garp learns of Ellen James, an 11-year-old who suffered horrific abuse. The story reveals the disturbing lengths to which a group of women, the Ellen Jamesians, go to support her, with some mutilating their tongues in solidarity.

7

Attraction to a Babysitter

As Garp juggles his life as a writer and father, he develops an attraction for his 18-year-old babysitter. This budding relationship complicates his life, blurring the lines between his responsibilities and desires.

8

Tragic Accident

Garp's life takes a sorrowful turn when he discovers his wife Helen's infidelity. This revelation culminates in a tragic car crash that results in the death of their son Walt and injuries to Duncan, leaving Garp devastated and seeking solace.

9

Reunion and New Daughter

After a period of turmoil, Garp and Helen reconcile, celebrated by the birth of their daughter named after Jenny. This event symbolizes a new chapter in their tumultuous relationship, marked by hope and remembrance of their complex past.

10

Political Controversy

Jenny's activism leads her to endorse a politician that aligns with her beliefs, sparking controversy and backlash from her critics. This pushback deeply affects the sanctuary and brings new challenges for both her and Garp.

11

Garp's Novel on Ellen James

In response to Ellen's plight and the actions of the Ellen Jamesians, Garp writes a novel detailing her story and its consequences. This book achieves commercial success but also attracts unwanted attention, including death threats.

12

Jenny's Murder

The narrative takes a tragic turn when Jenny is murdered by an anti-feminist extremist during a political event. Her untimely death devastates Garp and the women at the sanctuary, marking a turning point in the story.

13

Memorial Service Controversy

Following Jenny's death, a memorial service is held exclusively for women, leading to significant backlash. Despite the controversy, Garp feels compelled to attend in disguise, reminiscing about his complicated relationship with his mother.

14

Ellen James Saves Garp

As tensions escalate from his presence at the memorial, Garp finds himself in danger again. Ellen James intervenes poignantly, rescuing him and showing her gratitude for how he depicted her in his novel, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their suffering.

15

Return to Coaching

Years later, Garp assumes the role of a wrestling coach at his college, longing for a freer life, symbolized by his desire to try hang gliding. However, his journey is disrupted by gunfire, leading to painful reflections on his past and cherished memories of his mother.

College

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:29

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The World According to Garp

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