The Pursuit of Happyness Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Who are the main characters in the story?

Chris Gardner, Christopher, Linda.

What is the first part of Chris’s life story called?

Riding the Bus.

At what age did Chris Gardner meet his father?

28 years old.

What was Chris's goal for when he had kids?

To be in their lives and for them to know who their dad is. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the setting of the story?

San Francisco, 1981. Signup and view all the answers

What large machine did Chris carry around?

Portable bone-density scanner. Signup and view all the answers

What is a portable bone-density scanner?

A medical device that gives a slightly denser picture than an x-ray for more money. Signup and view all the answers

How many scanners does Chris have to sell to pay for rent and daycare?

Two a month. Signup and view all the answers

How many months were they behind on rent at the beginning of the movie?

Two almost three. Signup and view all the answers

What did Linda do while Chris wasn't selling any scanners?

Worked double shifts. Signup and view all the answers

What gift did one of Linda's coworkers buy for Christopher?

Rubik's Cube. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jay Twistle?

A manager/stockbroker at Dean Witter Reynolds. Signup and view all the answers

What advice did Chris get from Mr. Twistle?

You have to be good with money and people. Signup and view all the answers

What job is Chris trying to get?

Stockbroker. Signup and view all the answers

How much did daycare cost?

$150. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Chris upset with daycare?

Christopher watched TV the whole time which he can do at home. Signup and view all the answers

How much did Chris spend on the scanners?

His entire life savings. Signup and view all the answers

What was Chris unaware of regarding the scanners?

Hospitals and doctors considered this an unnecessary luxury. Signup and view all the answers

What did losing a scanner equal out to?

Losing a month's worth of groceries. Signup and view all the answers

How does Chris impress Mr. Twistle?

By solving a Rubik's Cube. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Jay left the taxi?

Gardner lacked money to pay the fare and chose to run instead. Signup and view all the answers

How does Chris's new relationship with Jay benefit him?

Earns him the chance to become an intern stockbroker. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Chris paint his apartment the day before the interview?

To postpone being evicted due to his difficulty in paying rent. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gardner get greeted by two policemen at his doorstep?

They take him to the station for unpaid parking tickets. Signup and view all the answers

What did Chris do after he was released?

Managed to arrive at Dean Witter's office on time. Signup and view all the answers

What was Linda's reaction to Chris's unpaid internship?

It did not please her. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Linda leave for New York?

She might get a job at her sister's boyfriend's new restaurant. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after Gardner says Linda is incapable of being a single mom?

She agrees that Christopher Jr. will remain with his dad. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fourth part of Chris's life story called?

Paying Taxes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Characters

Chris Gardner is the father and protagonist.
Christopher is Chris's son.
Linda is Chris's wife.

Setting

The story is set in San Francisco during 1981.

Chris's Background

Chris met his father at the age of 28 after growing up without him.
His goal was to be actively involved in his children's lives.

Financial Struggles

The cost of daycare was $150, leading to frustration since his son spent the day watching TV.
Chris was behind on rent by two to almost three months at one point.

Career Aspirations

Chris aspired to be a stockbroker and sought an internship at Dean Witter Reynolds.
He aimed to sell two portable bone-density scanners monthly to cover rent and daycare expenses.

Devices and Sales

Portable bone-density scanners were deemed unnecessary by hospitals and doctors despite Chris's investments.
Chris spent his entire life savings on the scanners, equating the loss of one to losing a month’s worth of groceries.

Key Events and Relationships

Jay Twistle, a manager at Dean Witter, advised Chris on the importance of managing money and relationships.
A notable moment was when Chris impressed Twistle by solving a Rubik's Cube.
Gardner ran from a taxi after being unable to pay the fare, losing a scanner in the process.

Interview Challenges

Chris was arrested for unpaid parking tickets shortly before a crucial internship interview, complicating his attendance.
He still managed to show up on time, dressed poorly but successfully impressed the interviewers, landing an unpaid internship among 20 others.

Family Dynamics

Linda was displeased with Chris's choice to take an unpaid internship, leading to strains in their relationship.
Linda considered leaving for a job opportunity in New York, but ultimately decided that their son would stay with Chris.

Time Management and Work Strategy

Chris struggled with limited work hours during his internship but found ways to maximize his calls and contacts to improve sales performance.

Life Lessons

Each chapter of Chris's journey highlights the importance of resilience, determination, and adapting to challenges as he navigates life as a single father and aspiring stockbroker.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the themes and characters of 'The Pursuit of Happyness', a story set in 1981 San Francisco that follows Chris Gardner's struggles as a father. This quiz delves into Chris's aspirations, financial challenges, and his determination to create a better life for his son despite adversity. Test your knowledge about the key elements that define this inspiring narrative.