The American Dream In The 1960's

The 1960’s were a time period when the ideals of the newer generation changed. The American Dream was no longer focused on family values but instead equality and freedom for all. Issues such as the rights, of women, African-American’s rights, and sexuality were challenged. While, rebelling against authority and the norm was deemed to be “cool.” The Graduate, showed viewers a film that defied the normal plot line they were used to and clearly established many themes that were prevalent in the 1960s. Benjamin Braddock was a character people could actually relate to. In college, Benjamin was a track star, the editor of the school paper, and the winner of a prestigious scholarship. On paper, his life was “perfect,” and he was a model son. However,

Benjamin Braddock was no different, for he was not happy with his parent’s materiality. The higher education his parents provided for him left him feeling purpose-less. His parents are seen, on many occasions, showing him off more as a trophy than listening to him as a son. More often than not, parents of that time period equated material objects, such as the sports car bought for Benjamin, to love. So throughout the movie, Benjamin actively rebels against his parent’s ideals and searches for a life that deviates off the path that has been set for him. His quest for rebellion and a different path is how he falls into his affair with Mrs. Robinson, his father’s partner’s wife. Benjamin accepts her offer as a way to save his self from the superficial world surrounding him. This portrays the new kind of thinking, the younger generation of that period had. The openness they had to all situations was something introduced in 60s. Furthermore, during their time together Mrs. Robinson reveals that she was an art major in college when she was Benjamin’s age. However, while she was dating Mr. Robinson, she got pregnant and had to drop out of

Moreover, when Benjamin became interested in Elaine, it creates a definite tension between him and Mrs. Robinson, who forbade him from pursuing her. Despite her rule, Benjamin is forced to ask Elaine out on a date by his parents. On the date, he treats Elaine rudely and takes her out to a strip club. Though when Elaine becomes visibly upset, Benjamin rectifies his poor attitude by apologizing to her and explaining that his actions were stemmed from his parents making him take her out. At this point, they begin talking and Benjamin realizes that he is truly comfortable with Elaine and begins to fall in love with her. Soon after, Mrs. Robinson becomes furious at the prospect of a future between Elaine and Benjamin and threatens to reveal she and Benjamin’s affair to her daughter. This creates an entire frenzy, as shortly both Elaine and Mr. Robinson find out about the affair. Which completely ends his relationship with Elaine. Nevertheless, Benjamin does not allow these obstacles to deter him, and finds away to be with Elaine once