October Sky

            The film "October Sky" is a story based on true events that presents many important themes. One of the main themes, and perhaps the most obvious, is the inspiring idea of chasing one's dreams and never giving up until success is found. In the story, we find Homer Hickam, an average small-town boy, infatuated by the idea of a newly launched rocket, Sputnik. Homer becomes inspired to better himself. He wants to build his own rockets and is further encouraged by his teacher, Miss Riley, to enter a science fair in which he has a chance to receive a college scholarship. This is Homer's dream, and he sets his goals accordingly to achieve this dream. Homer does not allow any obstacle, even family troubles, to diverge his gaze upon obtaining his dream. His recognition of his goals and persistence in achieving them is a very admirable and noble quality.
             Another of the main themes or messages in "October Sky" is the idea that opportunity can come knocking, but with it comes two sides - the possibilities it brings into our lives and also the things it can get in the way of. No path in life that leads to something rewarding is ever easily traveled, and Homer learns this. While Homer's goal of building rockets presents a chance for him to go to college, it also hinders his relationship with his father. John Hickam often times feels the need to prove his worthiness to his family. We can see this by his heroic actions on the job in the coal mines. His huge responsibility there often leads him to respond to his family in the same way he would a worker. John would rather have Homer take a job in the coal mines instead of taking a risk by chasing his dreams of building rockets. He does this because he loves Homer and does not want him to feel the hardships of failure, and this is where opportunity begins to create a rift in their relationship. In this situation, we can see that there needs to be an importance of value set to our priorities in life, and we also need to note that we should respect each other's priorities in order to avoid conflict.