What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Todorov’s Narrative Structure

What Is Todorov’s Narrative Theory? Tzvetan Todorov is a Bulgarian philosopher who’s narrative theory uses the ideas of equilibrium and disequilibrium to explain the structure of a story. According to Todorov, all stories begin by showing normality, equilibrium, usually the Hero’s normal life. As the story progresses, a problem arises, creating disequilibrium. The Hero then finds the solution and undergoes a transformation of some kind which returns their life to a new equilibrium, with some change to the hero.

Disequilibrium - A problem arises that disrupts normality. New Equilibrium – A solution to the problem is found, and normality is resumed, after the hero has undergone a transformation. Equilibrium – Hero’s normal life.

Gilbert - Equilibrium Gilbert is providing for his family and looking after them, particularly Arnie. He fills the role of father because his father committed suicide in their basement when Arnie was a baby. (Ellen: ‘Oh, okay, dad. Sure thing, dad.’) He feels trapped and frustrated, but cannot leave because his mother is obese and will not leave their house. (Gilbert: ‘She’s pretty much wedged in.’)

Gilbert - Problem/Disruption After Becki’s trailer breaks down, her sees her around town and appears to have a crush on her As he and Becki bond, and it becomes clear that she is happier and free while he is unhappy and trapped. She also gets him to talk about his father, and she points out that he could be heading the same way. (‘I used to know a guy like that.’) He struggles to choose between the freedom she offers and the fact that his family need him and are stuck in Endorra because of his mother.

Gilbert – Solution/New Equilibrium When Mama dies, Gilbert goes to the basement where his father hung himself and smashes it, finally showing the emotions he has repressed for so long. To save her from the humiliation of being taken out of the house by crane, Gilbert makes the decision to burn the house down with her corpse in it. Amy and Ellen move for work and school, leaving Gilbert free to travel with Becki and Arnie.

Becki Equilibrium - In the opening scene, we see Gilbert and Arnie in their ‘yearly ritual’ of watching the trailers pass through Endorra. Disequilibrium - Becki’s trailer breaks down and stops, leaving her stranded in Endorra until her grandmother fixes it. Here she meets Gilbert and tries to build a relationship with him, but his issues make it difficult. She tries to help him and offers him a life on the road with her, but he declines because of his family. New Equilibrium - The trailer is fixed and they leave. In the end scene the opening scene is mirrored, but this time Becki stops to pick up Gilbert and Arnie

Betty Carver Equilibrium – Her affair with Gilbert. Sending her children out when she has Gilbert make a ‘delivery’. Problem – Carver has a heart attack and dies in the paddling pool. She is suspected of murder. Solution – Moving away with her children, subsequently ending her affair with Gilbert.