The Graduate Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, and Streaming Platform
by A N Rahul | Updated May 30, 2023
The Graduate Ending Explained
As the final scenes of "The Graduate" unfolds, a sense of curiosity and intrigue lingers in the air. After Ben's decision to end his affair with Mrs. Robinson and pursue a relationship with Elaine, an enigmatic chain of events begins to unravel. Mrs. Robinson becomes resolute in her determination to keep Ben and Elaine apart, raising questions about her motivations and the deeper meaning behind her actions. Let's explore the various interpretations that leave us pondering her mysterious behavior.
One possible explanation for Mrs. Robinson's unwavering opposition to Ben and Elaine's romance is that she believes Ben is unworthy of Elaine's love. Perhaps she views him as morally questionable due to his involvement with a married woman, even if that woman happens to be herself. This perspective suggests that Mrs. Robinson seeks to protect Elaine from potential heartache and disappointment.
Another intriguing possibility is that Mrs. Robinson's resistance stems from hidden jealousy. She may harbor deep feelings for Ben and desires him exclusively for herself. In this scenario, her efforts to keep Ben away from Elaine are driven by a possessive nature, unwilling to let anyone else claim his affection.
Alternatively, it is plausible that Mrs. Robinson's resentment towards Ben arises from his role in the dissolution of her marriage. While Ben remains unscathed by the consequences of their affair, Mrs. Robinson may harbor bitterness and a desire to deny him happiness as a form of retribution. This interpretation unveils a complex emotional dynamic, where Mrs. Robinson seeks to maintain a sense of justice in the face of her own personal turmoil.
Adding another layer of complexity, some may argue that Mrs. Robinson's true animosity lies not with Ben, but with Elaine herself. The revelation that Mrs. Robinson became pregnant with Elaine and was subsequently coerced into a loveless marriage may have bred a deep-seated resentment. In Mrs. Robinson's eyes, Elaine represents a threat to her newfound freedom and happiness, and she will do whatever it takes to prevent history from repeating itself.
As we grapple with these intricate interpretations, the ending of "The Graduate" continues to captivate and perplex us. The enigmatic motives behind Mrs. Robinson's desperate actions leave us questioning the depths of human emotions and the complexities of love and desire.
The Graduate Plot
The Graduate is a 1967 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Charles Webb. The film tells the story of 21-year-old Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate with no well-defined aim in life, who is seduced by an older married woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), but then falls for her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross).
The film was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Bancroft. It is considered one of the greatest films of all time, and has been ranked number 2 on the AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies list.
The film's plot is simple but effective. Benjamin Braddock is a recent college graduate who is unsure of what he wants to do with his life. He is invited to a party at his parents' house, where he meets Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father's business partner. Mrs. Robinson is bored and unhappy in her marriage, and she seduces Benjamin. The affair continues for several months, but Benjamin eventually falls in love with Mrs. Robinson's daughter, Elaine.
When Mrs. Robinson finds out about Benjamin and Elaine's relationship, she is furious. She tries to break them up, but Benjamin and Elaine are determined to be together. They run away together, and they eventually get married.
The Graduate is a coming-of-age story about a young man who is trying to find his place in the world. It is a story about love, loss, and the importance of following your heart. The film is beautifully shot and directed, and it features some of the most iconic performances in film history. The Graduate is a classic film that is still relevant and enjoyable today.
The Graduate cast
Anne Bancroft
Mrs. Robinson
Dustin Hoffman
Benjamin Braddock
Katharine Ross
Elaine Robinson
William Daniels
Mr. Braddock
Murray Hamilton
Mr. Robinson
Elizabeth Wilson
Mrs. Braddock
Buck Henry
Room Clerk
Brian Avery
Carl Smith
Walter Brooke
Mr. McGuire
Norman Fell
Mr. McCleery
Alice Ghostley
Mrs. Singleman
Marion Lorne
Miss DeWitte
Richard Dreyfuss
(Uncredited)
Ben Murphy
(Uncredited)
Actor
Character
In addition, Richard Dreyfuss makes an uncredited appearance in one of his early roles as one of the tenants in Mr. McCleery's building, and Ben Murphy also has an uncredited appearance as the shaving fraternity brother who delivers a double entendre.
The Graduate Where to Watch?
"The Graduate" is a highly acclaimed film that was released in 1967. Directed by Mike Nichols and written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham, it is a romantic comedy-drama based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Charles Webb. The story revolves around Benjamin Braddock, a 21-year-old recent college graduate who finds himself aimless and uncertain about his future.
His life takes an unexpected turn when he is seduced by Mrs. Robinson, an older married woman. However, Benjamin's feelings soon shift towards Mrs. Robinson's daughter, Elaine.
The film was a major success upon its release, both critically and commercially. It grossed an impressive $104.9 million in the United States and Canada, making it the highest-grossing film of 1967. When adjusted for inflation, its gross stands at $857 million, solidifying its position as one of the top-grossing films in history. At the 40th Academy Awards, "The Graduate" received seven nominations, including Best Picture, and won the award for Best Director.
Recognizing its cultural and historical significance, the film was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 1996. The American Film Institute also ranks it as the 17th greatest American film of all time in their 2007 rankings, originally placing it at the 7th spot in 1997.
For those interested in watching "The Graduate," it is available on Netflix, providing viewers with the opportunity to experience this iconic and influential piece of cinema.
The Graduate Ending Explained - FAQs
One possible explanation is that Mrs. Robinson believes Ben is unworthy of Elaine's love. She may view him as morally questionable due to his involvement with a married woman, including herself. Mrs. Robinson may seek to protect Elaine from potential heartache and disappointment.
Yes, it's an intriguing possibility. Mrs. Robinson might harbor deep feelings for Ben and desire him exclusively for herself. Her efforts to keep Ben away from Elaine could be driven by a possessive nature, unwilling to let anyone else claim his affection.
It's plausible that Mrs. Robinson's resentment arises from Ben's role in the dissolution of her marriage. While Ben remains unscathed by the consequences of their affair, Mrs. Robinson may harbor bitterness and a desire to deny him happiness as a form of retribution. She seeks a sense of justice amidst her personal turmoil.
Yes, some argue that Mrs. Robinson's true animosity lies with Elaine herself. Mrs. Robinson became pregnant with Elaine and was coerced into a loveless marriage, which could have bred a deep-seated resentment. Elaine represents a threat to Mrs. Robinson's newfound freedom and happiness, leading her to do whatever it takes to prevent history from repeating itself.