Brain vs. Thief For many high school students, the movie The Breakfast Club imbues the major juxtapositions that highlight secondary education environments. These associations mark key comparisons in the social hierarchies of youth. In The Breakfast Club, the method of displaying these observations fall under its main characters. Conveniently enough, each of its main characters assume the role of a typical high school stereotype. The film defines such archetypes as the Jock, the Brain, the Basket Case, the Princess, and the Criminal. Two of these roles that stand out the most, are the Brain and the Criminal. These characters are acted out through the persons of John Bender and Brian Johnson. The similarities and opposing traits of these two …show more content…
Once again, a similarity arises from a contrast—despite the obvious social restrictions—where Bender relates to Brian, in the effect that a family protrudes on a child’s life and well-being. They are both products of the people who are supposed to guide them. This similarity echoes throughout the film, and becomes best seen when the group eats lunch during detention. Bender brings out no lunch, but Brian opens a bag packed with apple juice, a PB&J, and soup (seemingly packed by his mother). This list of items prompts Bender to make fun of Brian; hinting that Bender sees Brian as pampered. The two once again fall victim under the influence of their parents. Bender indirectly points this out by proceeding to go on a rant about how Brian displays a better life because of family. A prime example of this scenario happens subtly at the beginning of the movie. Brian shows up in a station wagon, while Bender shows up alone and without a mode of transport. Bender’s parents leave him to act on his own, without guidance. They do not chaperone him to his destination. On the other hand, Brian’s family carries him, and force excess guidance on his choices in