The Graduate Movie: Social Values Questions! Trivia Quiz

1. THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION SHOULD RESPECT AND OBEY THEIR PARENTS AND ELDERS is a ______________ value.

THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION SHOULD RESPECT AND OBEY THEIR PARENTS AND ELDERS. This dominant value is challenged by Ben and Elaine who defy the will of their parents.

Explanation

THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION SHOULD RESPECT AND OBEY THEIR PARENTS AND ELDERS. This dominant value is challenged by Ben and Elaine who defy the will of their parents.

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2. Mrs Robinson's character is constructed through a complex series of codes to represent a dangerous predator, the first screen cougar cinema had seen.

True

False

By dressing Mrs. Robinson in animal prints and furs, thereby comparing her to jungle hunters such as lions and tigers. She is predatory in her manner, her body language and tone of voice. When Benjamin attempts to leave, Mrs. Robinson insists with increasing force that he stay. In 1967 when the film was released, she was evil incarnate—the harpy preying on youthful innocence, the stand-in for her generations’ multiple sins and the hypocrisy of the older generation. She was also, however keenly viewed as a representation of sexual liberation, a generation of women who were stuck in sexless/loveless marriages as a result of society expecting a young pregnant woman should marry the father of the child.

Explanation

By dressing Mrs. Robinson in animal prints and furs, thereby comparing her to jungle hunters such as lions and tigers. She is predatory in her manner, her body language and tone of voice. When Benjamin attempts to leave, Mrs. Robinson insists with increasing force that he stay. In 1967 when the film was released, she was evil incarnate—the harpy preying on youthful innocence, the stand-in for her generations’ multiple sins and the hypocrisy of the older generation. She was also, however keenly viewed as a representation of sexual liberation, a generation of women who were stuck in sexless/loveless marriages as a result of society expecting a young pregnant woman should marry the father of the child.

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5. What Ben really wants is

To have sex with both Elaine and Mrs Robinson

To just be on his own.

6. That sex before marriage is immoral and sinful is a ______________ value.

The dominant value that sex before marriage is immoral and sinful is challenged by Ben's representation. His character has fun with his cougar, learns a lot, is sexually awakened and enjoys sex and intimacy. The shot of Ben relaxed and lazing in the pool is vastly different from the uptight and aloof Benjamin audiences see in the opening sequence. This paves the way for him to interact with Elaine in a mature and confident way. The affair with Mrs. Robinson, although it ends badly, has indeed changed Ben, awakening him to some of the ways of the world, learning about sex among other things.

Explanation

The dominant value that sex before marriage is immoral and sinful is challenged by Ben's representation. His character has fun with his cougar, learns a lot, is sexually awakened and enjoys sex and intimacy. The shot of Ben relaxed and lazing in the pool is vastly different from the uptight and aloof Benjamin audiences see in the opening sequence. This paves the way for him to interact with Elaine in a mature and confident way. The affair with Mrs. Robinson, although it ends badly, has indeed changed Ben, awakening him to some of the ways of the world, learning about sex among other things.

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7. The values of a society are in a state of constant _____________ & ____________ always exists between the dominant, oppositional and emerging social values.

The values of a society are in a state of constant evolution, and tension always exists between the dominant, oppositional and emerging social values.

Explanation

The values of a society are in a state of constant evolution, and tension always exists between the dominant, oppositional and emerging social values.

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8. Define the term Discourse.

The course that was most popular at universities in the USA in 1967.

Ways in which individuals create arguments.

The discourse we have studied is the Generation Gap. The generation gap (discourse / social issue) The counter-culture group of the 1960s represented the discontented youth who commonly rejected the values of the older generation. Never before had such a large gap been so prominent. Often seen as having arisen from middle-class suburbanites, the counter culture believed that material prosperity and safety did not guarantee them happiness. Rather this youth sought freedom, empowerment and resulted in intense youth rebellion.

Explanation

The discourse we have studied is the Generation Gap. The generation gap (discourse / social issue) The counter-culture group of the 1960s represented the discontented youth who commonly rejected the values of the older generation. Never before had such a large gap been so prominent. Often seen as having arisen from middle-class suburbanites, the counter culture believed that material prosperity and safety did not guarantee them happiness. Rather this youth sought freedom, empowerment and resulted in intense youth rebellion.

9. The film The Graduate does not afford even Mrs. Robinson the first name, highlighting that she lacks an identity independent from her husband.

True

False

10. While lazing in the pool, Ben's response to his dad asking "Ben, what are you doing?" is

"I'm not sure"

"Thinking about what I will do next"

"I'm just drifting"

"Passing time before I meet Elaine"

11. The counter culture of the 1960s has been described as...

Having an urge to "find oneself"

Reinventing American culture

Having arisen from middle class suburbanites, the counter culture believed that material prosperity and safety did not guarantee them happiness.

Reacting to what they see as an "adventure deficit" in American culture

Wanting to work in industry, often in "plastics"

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12. Match the correct answer

Dominant Values

Oppositional Values

Dominant/mainstream values are those that are embodied and upheld by the majority of citizens and institutions in a society. Oppositional social values are those that are embodied and upheld generally by a minority of citizens (and rarely any major institution) within the society. They are in direct opposition to dominant or mainstream values.

Explanation

Dominant/mainstream values are those that are embodied and upheld by the majority of citizens and institutions in a society. Oppositional social values are those that are embodied and upheld generally by a minority of citizens (and rarely any major institution) within the society. They are in direct opposition to dominant or mainstream values.

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