Pool Scenes in "the Graduate"

Pool Scenes in The Graduate

At first glance it may seem that the swimming pool in Ben's backyard is no more than an insignificant setting-choice for the movie. After close examination, however, the pool fills a critical role as the symbol of the recent college-graduate's internal struggle with decisions regarding his future. Key scenes involving the swimming pool and the related aquarium in Ben's room chronicle the evolution of his transition from adolescents into adulthood.

The opening scene of the movie in which Ben's face is visible through the glass of his aquarium tank demonstrates his role as an adolescent upon arriving home from college. This is, however, only recognizable in a later scene taking place at the party his parents throw for him that evening. As Ben weaves through his parents friends, all questioning his future plans and giving un-solicited advice, he finds sanctuary in his childhood bedroom--finding an escape from the questions he can not answer. Looking