In The Graduate, Benjamin Braddock has just graduated from college, but he still hasn't developed an idea of what he wants to do in the world or who he really is. Up until now, his identity has been defined by his college experience: he was a stellar student, a track star, and editor of the college newspaper. But now that's over and he has nothing to replace it. With all the options available to a wealthy, bright college grad, he's overwhelmed. And that's what the film's about—how he tries to find an identity apart from his parents' expectations for him.
Questions about Identity
- How does The Graduate compare with other coming of age stories you might be familiar with (like The Catcher in the Rye or A Separate Peace)?
- How does Benjamin change over the course of the movie? Does he mature or improve? Does falling in love with Elaine resolve his identity crisis or just postpone it?
- Why does Benjamin have so much trouble figuring out who he really is? He's clearly received a good education, but what's preventing him from figuring out what to do with it? What backstory could explain it?
Chew on This
Take a peek at these thesis statements. Agree or disagree?
Pursuing the woman he loves is what drives Benjamin's identity formation.
Benjamin's impulsive running off with Elaine shows us that he's still running away from figuring out who he is.