“The Graduate,” directed by Mike Nichols and released in 1967, is a seminal film that captures the spirit of 1960s America. The film follows the story of Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate who finds himself lost and directionless. Things take a complicated turn when he is seduced by Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), a friend of his parents, and subsequently falls in love with her daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross). This dark comedy explores themes of alienation, rebellion, and the search for purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Benjamin’s welcome home party Benjamin’s parents and their friends celebrate his accomplishments while he feels completely lost and unaccomplished. Mrs. Robinson’s seduction Mrs. Robinson seduces Benjamin under the pretense of friendship, contrasting the typical nurturing role of an older woman.
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example Scuba suit The scuba suit Benjamin receives represents his isolation and the pressure he feels from his parents. Fish tank The fish tank in Benjamin’s room symbolizes his entrapment and lack of direction in life.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Mrs. Robinson’s first encounter Her initial seduction hints at the complications that will arise in Benjamin’s future. Benjamin stalking Elaine Benjamin’s obsessive behavior foreshadows the inevitable conflict between him and Mrs. Robinson.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example The pool The pool represents Benjamin’s subconscious desire for freedom and escape. The cross at the wedding The cross Benjamin uses to barricade the church door symbolizes his rebellion against societal norms.
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Water Water is a recurring motif symbolizing Benjamin’s subconscious and emotional state. Plastics The word “plastics” is repeatedly mentioned, symbolizing superficiality and materialism.
Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example Benjamin’s room Posters of foreign lands in Benjamin’s room allude to his desire for escape and adventure . Mrs. Robinson’s name Mrs. Robinson’s name alludes to the cultural archetype of the predatory older woman.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Benjamin and Mr. Robinson Mr. Robinson’s enthusiasm for Benjamin’s future contrasts sharply with Benjamin’s own disillusionment. The seduction scene vs. Elaine’s innocence The stark contrast between Mrs. Robinson’s predatory nature and Elaine’s innocence highlights Benjamin’s internal conflict .
Repetition
Movie Scene Device Example “Plastics” The repeated advice to go into “plastics” emphasizes the emptiness of societal expectations. Benjamin’s aimless driving Scenes of Benjamin driving aimlessly are repeated to illustrate his lack of direction.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Benjamin’s academic success Despite his academic success, Benjamin feels completely lost and unsure about his future. The climactic wedding scene Benjamin and Elaine’s escape is ironically uncertain and ambiguous, rather than a clear happy ending.
Satire
Movie Scene Device Example Suburban life The film satirizes the emptiness of suburban life through the portrayal of Benjamin’s parents and their friends. Career advice The shallow career advice Benjamin receives is a satirical take on 1960s societal values.
Benjamin Braddock
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism (Scuba suit)The scuba suit symbolizes Benjamin’s feeling of being trapped and suffocated by societal expectations. Irony (Welcome home party)The irony of celebrating Benjamin’s accomplishments highlights his internal struggle and sense of disconnection.
Mrs. Robinson
Literary Device Explanation Metaphor (The cross)Mrs. Robinson’s use of seduction as a means of control is metaphorically linked to the cross Benjamin uses at the wedding . Juxtaposition (Seduction vs. Elaine’s innocence)Her predatory nature is contrasted with Elaine’s innocence, emphasizing her complexity and inner conflict .
Elaine Robinson
Literary Device Explanation Motif (Water)Elaine’s interactions with water scenes symbolize her purity and the cleansing of Benjamin’s troubled past. Foreshadowing (Relationship with Benjamin)Early scenes hint at Elaine’s pivotal role in Benjamin’s journey towards self-discovery.
Character Dynamics
Benjamin’s relationships with Mrs. Robinson and Elaine are central to the film’s narrative and themes. The tension between his illicit affair with Mrs. Robinson and his genuine affection for Elaine drives the story forward, highlighting themes of rebellion, confusion, and the search for authenticity. Mrs. Robinson’s manipulation and Elaine’s innocence serve as opposing forces, pushing Benjamin towards a path of self-awareness and personal growth.
Alienation
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism (Fish tank)The fish tank symbolizes Benjamin’s feeling of entrapment and isolation. Metaphor (Pool)The pool scenes metaphorically represent Benjamin’s desire to escape his current life.
Rebellion
Literary Device Explanation Irony (Wedding scene)Benjamin’s interruption of Elaine’s wedding symbolizes his rebellion against societal norms. Juxtaposition (Parents vs. Benjamin)The contrasting values of Benjamin and his parents highlight his desire to break free from their expectations.
Search for Identity
Literary Device Explanation Repetition (Driving scenes)Repeated scenes of Benjamin driving aimlessly illustrate his search for identity and direction. Allusion (Posters in room )The foreign land posters in Benjamin’s room allude to his yearning for a different life and identity.
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism (Scuba suit)Visual design The scuba suit’s cumbersome nature visually represents Benjamin’s suffocation by societal pressures. Irony (Welcome home party)Sound design The celebratory music contrasts with Benjamin’s internal despair, enhancing the irony of the scene. Motif (Water)Cinematography Recurrent water imagery , through shots of pools and rain, reflects Benjamin’s emotional state and desire for cleansing. Foreshadowing (Stalking Elaine)Editing The quick cuts and tense music during Benjamin’s stalking scenes foreshadow the conflict and tension in his pursuit of Elaine.
Mrs. Robinson Seduction Scene
Link to scene Breakdown : The use of low lighting, close-up shots, and seductive music emphasizes the tension and complexity of Mrs. Robinson’s character and her relationship with Benjamin. The scene’s pacing and dialogue reveal the power dynamics at play, highlighting themes of control and manipulation.
Elaine’s Wedding Scene
Link to scene Breakdown : The chaotic camera work, frantic music, and symbolic use of the cross to barricade the door underscore the themes of rebellion and the clash between personal desires and societal expectations. This scene encapsulates the film’s climax , portraying Benjamin’s ultimate act of defiance.
Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz
What does the scuba suit symbolize in the film?
A) Adventure
B) Isolation and pressure from parents
C) Success
D) Freedom
Which literary device is primarily used in the wedding scene?
How does water function as a motif in “The Graduate”?
A) It represents wealth
B) It symbolizes purity and cleansing
C) It indicates danger
D) It highlights social status
What is the significance of the repeated advice to go into “plastics”?
A) It suggests environmental concerns
B) It symbolizes the materialistic and superficial values of the time
C) It is a career recommendation
D) It represents innovation
How does the use of close-up shots in Mrs. Robinson’s seduction scene enhance the narrative ?
A) It adds humor
B) It highlights the tension and intimacy between the characters
C) It creates confusion
D) It shows the setting in detail
