What's Eating Gilbert Grape Competence

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Introduction: According to Ronald B. Adler and Russell F. Proctor II “competent communication involves achieving one’s goals in a manner that, in most cases, maintains or enhances the relationship in which it occurs” (Adler and Proctor, 22). There are many different ways to be competent in communication. The way someone communicates depends on the personality of the communicator and who they are trying to communicate with. It also greatly depends on the situation in which the communication occurs. For example a “joke that would be ideal would probably be inappropriate at a funeral” (Adler and Proctor, 22). There are many different factors that determine whether someone is communicating competently, and there is a huge range of different behaviors …show more content…

FINISH INRO Thesis: In the movie What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, the main character Gilbert displays many characteristics of communication competence, but there are also situations where he fails to be a competent communicator. Gilbert is a competent …show more content…

There were situations in which Gilbert's limited range of responses show that he is a poor communicator (Adler and Proctor, 24). One of these situations includes Becky. The reason Becky is in town is because her grandmother’s car breaks down. When the car is repaired she goes to tell Gilbert that they are leaving. He then becomes very quiet and distant. Then they drive back to her camper. As she gets out of the car, Arnie invite her to his birthday party. She gets back in the car and asks Gilbert, “What do you not want me to go?” He replies, “No it’s fine.” She asks, “So is this how you want it?”(What's eating Gilbert Grape). Gilbert is very upset that Becky is leaving. However, he does not tell her. He lacks the amount of communication skills to tell her how he feels. He drives away and leaves her without her knowing how he really

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