The Graduate

One of the controlling themes of this film is alienation One of the controlling themes of this film is alienation. Describe a scene from the film that exemplifies Ben’s alienation and then explain how this theme is demonstrated in your chosen scene.

2. Provide two examples where there is a disconnect between the older and younger generations in the film. For each scene, explain the disconnect and how the scene illustrates it.

3. If this film were re-made today, describe a scene you would write to show Ben’s alienation from his parents in a modern context. Make sure to explain the generational gap or disconnect that creates this alienation.

4. (A) Discuss the film’s theme of an innocent and confused youth who is exploited, misdirected, and betrayed by a corrupt, decadent, and discredited older generation. (B) How does this theme relate to the film’s grand gesture and the final scene on the bus?

5. Compare and contrast the older generation to the younger generation in the film. Consider their values in your discussion. What is important to the parents versus what is important to the kids? Choose a scene or scenes as evidence and explain it.

6. Consider the dualities in the film: (1) the two rival women (Elaine and Mrs. Robinson), (2) the two California settings (Los Angeles and Berkeley) including the Southern and Northern California cultures (materialistic vs. intellectual), and (3) the division in Benjamin's character (morally drifting and indecisive vs. committed). Choose one of these and discuss how it is addressed in the film.

7. Discuss how this film is a satire of the social and sexual customs of the 1960’s. Consider what human vice or folly is mocked or ridiculed in the film. Provide support for your answer.

8. Nichols, the film’s director has said The Graduate is about the idea of objects, the material things people strive to acquire and cling to in their lives, the objects through which people become objects themselves. For him, Benjamin is someone trying to become "active instead of passive" and struggling "not to be used as an object" like everything surrounding him. Provide evidence of this theme in the film.