Adaptation: Pushed to Great Lengths

Adaptation is a natural instinct that all living beings have, but only to a certain extent. In the movie Cast Away, the protagonist named Chuck Noland, is forced into adapting to an environment, which is nearly impossible to survive on for more than a few weeks. He finds himself stranded on an isolated, tropical island after a disastrous plane crash kills all passengers but him. He remains trapped on the island for four years, and does so with the help of three important things. Initially, it is the picture of his girlfriend Kelly that motivates him to survive to get back to her. Secondly, it is a volleyball named Wilson, which served as a link to society as well as his only friend. Lastly, and the most important aspect which exemplified his adaptation, was his large and crucial character change.

A pocket watch Kelly gave him just before his flight tellingly represents his loss and his new understanding.

lunch with Chuck Norris

[Portrait of Barbara Carroll, Clyde Lombardi, and ...

Wilson the volleyball

In it he keeps her picture, like a shrine to his hopes for leaving the island. However, the pocket watch no longer keeps the time, because time stands still for Chuck. He has nowhere else to be, no longer a schedule to keep. With Kelly in mind, Chuck strives to survive and adapt to the land in order to get back to Kelly. Although Kelly is rarely seen in the movie, she played a key role in Chuck's mind. Her photo was his motivation on the island to survive; it was the last thing he saw before bed, and the first thing he saw when he awoke.

Secondly, one of the most notable aspects of the film is the volleyball named Wilson. Wilson was inside a parcel from the plane, and when Chuck discovers it, he immediately connects to it. His...