Monday, 3 November 2014
The Graduate (1967) Narrative
The Graduate (1967) Narrative
Tzetvan Todorov theory
- A state of equilibrium: Benjamin Braddock has just graduated from college. He is congratulated and welcomed home by his parents throwing him a ‘homecoming party’, however Ben doesn’t know what to do next in his life.
- A disruption of that order by an event: A friend of Ben’s parents, Mrs Robinson, asks Ben to drive her home from his homecoming party. She invites him inside and begins to seduce him. Ben and Mrs Robinson, who is married to another man and a lot older than Ben, begin an affair.
- A recognition that disorder has occurred: Mrs Robinson’s husband, Mr Robinson (who is completely unaware of his wife’s and Ben’s affair) encourages Ben to start dating his and Mrs Robinson’s daughter Elaine. Ben realises by him sleeping with Elaine’s mother he cannot date Elaine so sabotages their date by ignoring her, driving recklessly, and taking her to a strip club.
- An attempt to repair the damage of disorder: While Ben was on the date with Elaine, he made her cry and realised how horrible he was being to a very nice girl who actually liked him. He discovers that he doesn’t love Mrs Robinson, he in fact loves her daughter Elaine, so he breaks off the affair with Mrs Robinson in order to pursue her daughter. Mrs Robinson turns on Ben and orders him to stay away from Elaine, who will be getting married to another man.
- A return or restoration of new equilibrium: Ben tracks Elaine down and crashes her wedding, and declares his love for her. They run away together.
Vladimir Propp theory
Villain: Mrs Robinson
Hero: Benjamin Braddock
Dispatcher: Benjamin's parents
False Hero: Benjamin
Donor: Benjamin's parents
Helper:(Benjamin is on his own)
Princess: Elaine
Father: Elaine
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