thoughts, they gain extensive insight into why Gilbert acts and responds they way he does in
certain situations. By losing this connection with Gilbert, his character does not develop as fully
in the movie as it did in the novel.
One of the biggest influences on Gilbert throughout both the novel and the film is Becky,
as she appears in Gilbert's life at a time when he is restless and frustrated with his life.
Throughout the book he lets readers know how deeply he wants to escape from Endora and start
a new life. In the novel, Hedges portrays Gilbert as flawed, with many deep psychological issues
he is either unaware of or refuses to acknowledge. For instance, Gilbert is strongly affected by
his mother's obesity and in many situations refuses to eat out of disgust of her state. Throughout
his life, Gilbert was told by everyone how strongly he resembled his late father, Albert Grape.
His hatred towards his father for leaving their family is then projected onto himself because of
the constant comparison to his Albert. From the beginning of their relationship, Becky was able
to sense Gilbert's self-hatred. After holding a mirror to his face she says, ‘“See. See what I mean.
See the hate”’ (Hedges 274).
Throughout the novel she attempts to change Gilbert and make him
more sensitive and loving of himself and others; this is a large disparity between the novel and
film. When watching the film, the audience perceives Becky’s character as more accepting of
who Gilbert is. She displays a stronger physical and emotional attachment to him in many scenes
throughout the film. There are very few cases where she criticises his lifestyle or outlook on life,
whereas in the novel it is the majority of what she says to Gilbert.
