Can you describe the relationship between Gilbert and his mother from the movie Whats Eating Gilbert Grape?

Answer 1

Because Gilbert is the oldest son, his mother depends on him to the point where he has virtually no life. It takes all his energy to keep the family intact. Gilbert has a certain amount of resentment, although he keeps a lid on it. And as much as he loves his mother, he feels embarassment by her obesity.

Although 'Mama' doesn't show it, she knows how Gilbert feels, and is hurt by it. It's great that by the end of the story Gilbert and Mama connect, Gilbert grows up in a sense, and can accept his mother, and she in turn can tell him how much she appriciates all he does for the family and how she understands how hard it has been for him. Becky probably had much to do with Gilbert's new attitude. Becky accepted his family, thorns and all, and she showed Gilbert how to also.

Answer 2

The entire Grape family revolves around the mother and her sef-imposed disability. As the oldest siblings the bulk of the responsibility falls to Amy and Gilbert. Amy takes care of Mama and the house. Gilbert earns the money and has the responsibility of taking care of his youngest brother who is mentally handicapped. They struggle financially, but more than that, they struggle with each other and ultimately, with themselves.

Although Gilbert loves his mother he is embarassed by her obesity. He loves his youngest brother but the burden of caring for him pushes him to his limit. And the house that his father built is the symbolic prison they all live in.

Answer 3

The Grape family dynamics are vital to the story. Amy is responsible and mature, a substitute mother for the family. Both her and Gilbert have much in common and are on equal footing. There is mutual respect and understanding between the two. Gilbert and Ellen are a different story. Fifteen year old Ellen is typical for her age. To her, the family is a complete embarrassment and a plight on her life according to her. They must be endured. So of course there is tension between her and Gilbert. The scene in which Ellen is practicing her coronet and makes an obscene gesture at Gilbert, only to be almost run over by his truck says much about how they relate to each other. Gilbert was probably only partly relieved that he didn't run over her.

Answer 4

siblings