Good Will Hunting

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Good Will Hunting is the story of an extremely bright, rebellious and directionless young man, whose rough childhood resulted in a string of delinquent behaviors involving violence and theft during his adolescent years while living in a rough urban neighborhood. The start of the film opens with the lead character Will (played by Matt Damon) who jumps from a car in order to chase and give pay-back to another young man who had bullied Will during his childhood. As defined by Erikson, adolescents proceed through a period known as a moratorium when they experience a crisis in making decisions about their future goals. It is interesting to note that Erikson describes the condition of the delinquent, as being one who is withdrawn from society juxtaposed…show more content…
Will arrogantly bullies his way through his first session with Maguire. Initially their relationship is volatile and oppositional, but it eventually turns into a heart-warming bond. Maguire plays an instrumental role, helping Will to recognize his fears that surround intimacy and abandonment. Theorist Erik Erikson has grouped the shaping of personality into eight stages that cover the life span of all humans. While some theorists believe that development occurs smoothly and in a linear fashion, Erikson’s theory is marked by distinguished beginnings and endings during which time a person passes through several crises in order to proceed to the next stage. As the individual passes through these stages, opposing conflicts ensue and it is the ability to move through these conflicts which then creates balance, a healthy personality and a strong sense of…show more content…
As a result, unique sets of characteristics are unveiled through a variety of experiences, where the child has identified with their caregivers or with society and thus are able to further develop their independence and competency skills. Adolescents are notoriously known for their conflicting ideals surrounding identity formation. Erikson describes during the fifth stage of development that role confusion creates conflict between, who one is, and who they are supposed to become, thus resulting in a negative resolution and this period of time is once again referred to as a moratorium. During Will’s adolescent years his rage turns to delinquent behavior involving theft and assault, which helps to quell his rage against his caregivers and the harsh realities of society. Erikson postulates that delinquent behavior is a result of an individual developing an identity that causes them to withdraw from, and rebel against society, since society is offering neither protection, or help with their difficulties. Erikson’s Stage #6 (18yrs. – 40yrs.) Crisis relates to Intimacy vs.
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