The Graduate

A journey of self-discovery and complicated relationships

Charles Webb author Hanif Kureishi editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:5th Aug '10

Should be back in stock very soon

The Graduate cover

Benjamin Braddock faces societal expectations after graduation, but an affair with Mrs. Robinson complicates his life, especially with her daughter Elaine involved in The Graduate.

In The Graduate, Benjamin Braddock is at a crossroads in his life. Having just graduated from college, his parents have laid out a seemingly perfect future for him—attending an Ivy League school, securing a prestigious job, and living a life filled with wealth and leisure. However, Benjamin feels a deep sense of discontent and uncertainty about the path that has been chosen for him. He grapples with the pressures of societal expectations and the desire to forge his own identity.

Things take an unexpected turn when Benjamin becomes involved with Mrs. Robinson, a close family friend who is significantly older than him. Their affair offers Benjamin a thrilling escape from the constraints of his life, allowing him to explore his desires and question the values instilled in him by his parents. However, this newfound freedom is complicated when Mrs. Robinson's daughter, Elaine, enters the picture, causing Benjamin to confront the consequences of his choices and the reality of his situation.

The Graduate delves into themes of alienation, the search for meaning, and the complexities of love and relationships. As Benjamin navigates the tumultuous waters of adulthood, he must ultimately decide what he truly wants for himself, challenging the expectations placed upon him by his family and society at large.

He writes with this lovely, spare style -- Nick Hornby

ISBN: 9780141190242

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 13mm

Weight: 155g

208 pages