We tend to think of family as the people who support us at all possible times. This is not the case in "Benjamin Button." Because Benjamin is different, his parents have difficulty accepting him for who he is. They are able to love him only in so far as he plays along with a charade of normality. Later, Benjamin encounters the same problem with his wife, and eventually, his son. Still, if they are unable to love him unconditionally, they are still there for Benjamin out of a sense of family obligation.
Questions About Family
- What role do Benjamin’s parents play in this story? What about that of his wife and child, in the latter half of the tale?
- Do Benjamin’s parents love their child?
- Benjamin loses interest in his wife and child as he grows younger. As readers, do we judge him for this? Or do we understand that it’s part of his condition?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Because of his condition, Benjamin is essentially alone for his entire life.
Despite his condition, Benjamin makes meaningful connections with those around him.