The Graduate

The film The Graduate introduces character Ben as a character with a boring life lead by anyone but himself. The key relationship in this movie is the relationship between Ben and Mrs. Robinson. At first, Ben was horrified and had absolutely no interest in pursuing an affair with Mrs. Robinson. Ben then realizes shortly after this interaction how little control and excitement there is in his life. Although he is an award winning scholar, his self confidence is at an all-time low now that he is no longer in school. Ben decides to pursue a relationship with Mrs. Robinson not only for his own sexual pleasure, but to satisfy his emotional desires. Ben does not use Mrs. Robinson for sex nearly as much as he uses her for someone to simply be with. An example of this would be when they are in the hotel room and Ben insists to Mrs. Robinson that they just talk instead of having sex. In their conversation, Mrs. Robinson laughs at the joy Ben has just knowing the smallest details of her stories, such as what her major was in college. This is because Ben is not used to this type of conversing, so even hearing the smallest detail will intrigue him. Ben doubts that he will like Mrs. Robinson's daughter because of the emotional connection that he has with Mrs. Robinson, he doesn't think it is possible to be close to anyone else. Ben is shocked when he starts to have feelings for Mrs. Robinson's daughter. They converse very easily, and their relationship is so much more innocent and meaningful. Ben discovers that his relationship with Mrs. Robinson was meaningless, and that they are better people out there with sweeter hearts, and that is why he leaves her.