1
The Graduate
(Drama/Romance) (1967)
© 1999 by Raymond Weschler
This learning sheet of ESL movie notes is produced by Raymond Weschler from the website of eslnotes.com. The Chinese translation of notes and extra infois provided by Ai-ping Liufrom the LanguageCenter, National Central University, Taiwan. If you copy from this learning sheet, please acknowledge the source. Many thanks.
Major Characters
Benjamin Braddock...... Dustin Hoffman
A young and confused student who returns home to Los Angeles after graduating with honors from a good university, but with no idea as to what he now wants to do with his life.
Mrs. Robinson...... Anne Bancroft
The sexy and alcoholic wife of Benjamin's father's law partner,
who has known Benjamin and his parents since he was born.
Elaine Robinson...... Katherine Ross
Mrs. Robinson's daughter, who is finishing her studies at
the University of California at Berkeley.
Mr. Robinson...... MurrayHamilton
Husband of Mrs. Robinson, father of Elaine,
and law partner of Ben's father.
Mr. Braddock...... William Daniels
Benjamin's father, who is a successful Los Angeles lawyer.
Mrs. Braddock...... Elizabeth Wilson
Benjamin's mother, who is a typical housewife.
Plot Summary
This is the story of Benjamin Braddock, a 20 year old college graduate who comes home from his four years in school completely unsure of what he wants to do with his life. While staying at the house of his upper middle class parents, he suddenly finds himself being seduced by Mrs. Robinson, the sexy wife of his father's law partner. At first, Ben resists her attractions, for he has known her since he was a baby, and it is simply too strange to consider.
Soon after, however, Benjamin finds himself so bored with his life that he decides to have an affair with her after all, meeting her secretly several nights a week at a local hotel. All is going well until Mr. Robinson, completely unaware of what is happening, insists that Ben take out his daughter Elaine, who was coming down to LA from Berkeley, where she was attending school. For reasons that are not entirely clear, Mrs. Robinson is determined to not let Benjamin go out with Elaine, but he does anyway. The result is a disaster for all involved, as the affair is soon exposed. The situation then becomes even more complicated when Ben finds himself falling in love with Elaine.
A quick background note: Many people consider this movie to be a true classic. At the time it came out in 1967, it caused a sensation, and to a certain extent, many might still say that it captured the rebellious spirit of the times in which it was made. Perhaps, but as famous and loved as this film is, it now seems to be very dated, and perhaps not as great as so many once thought.....
Some Words and Expressions that You may not Know
Ben comes home from school, an accomplished
graduate with no idea what to do with his life.
What is it, Ben?
In the right context, another way to say "what's wrong?"
怎麼回事, 怎麼了?
Come on.
The most versatile phrasal verb in the English language,used to show a wide variety of emotions, or, as here, to simply mean "let's go."
You won't have much trouble picking them up with that, will you?
"To pick up" girls (or boys) is to try and meet and
attract them so that they will go out with you later.
引起對方( 異性朋友) 注意, 進而有約會的機會。
The chicks. The teeny-boppers.
A "chick" is a somewhat dated slang word for a girl or woman, and a "teeny bopper" is a very old-fashioned term for teenage girls who often love musicians who specialize in cute looks and stupid love songs.
(1)指女生。Chick原意是小雞的意思。
(2)特別指十幾歲的女孩子, 對那些長的可愛帥氣，唱著情歌之歌手瘋狂的小女孩。
I think Ben has gotten beyond the teeny-bopper stage.
In this case, a particular phase or period of time in life.
已經過了那青少年階段。
Here's the track star, himself!
"Track and field" are sports such as running and long
jumping that are popular in schools, and in the Olympics.
(1)Track and field 田徑賽等運動項目。
(2)跑步(競賽) 等競賽屬於Track.
(3)跳遠, 跳高等競賽屬於Field。
The Helpingham Award.
The name of the prize that Ben apparently won at school.
獎項的名稱通常用Award, 如普立茲獎Pulitzer Prizes, 葛萊美獎Grammy Awards, 金馬獎Golden Horse Awards等。
Plastics.
The flexible building material, of course, but more importantly,
the most remembered single word in the entire movie.
(1)原指塑膠材料
(2)在此電影裡指的是塑膠業的前景大好, Benjamin可朝這發展事業。
That's a deal.
Very common for "agreement," and in other contexts, a good price.
(1)雙方講好之約定。
(2)有時指買東西時, 撿到便宜之好貨。
College yearbook.
The annual book published by schools
that have pictures of all of their students.
大學畢業紀念冊。
Captain of the cross-country team.
A "captain" is a military term meaning leader. "Cross-country" races are those that are very long, such as the 5,000 meter race, as opposed
to races like the 100 meter dash.
(1)領隊。
(2)長程之越野賽跑, 而100 meter dash 指的是 100 公尺短跑。
Managing editor of the paper in his senior year.
Remember, college is usually divided into four years;
Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior.
(1)大學之第四年,
(2)注意大學四年不同的年級說法, 身為大學生的你，不妨熟記加以應用。
Ben and Mrs. Robinson become reacquainted....
I'm just sort of disturbed about things.
"Disturbed" is an interesting alternative to upset, or bothered.
指受干擾, 對事務不瞭解, 感到難受, 困擾。
Do you know how to work a foreign shift?
In this case, referring to the "stick shift" in a car,
which allows a driver to change gears, or speed.
指汽車之排檔, Benjamin希望Mrs. Robinson能自行開車回家, 因此問Mrs. Robinson會不會開車。
I feel funny about coming into a dark house.
Note the use of "funny" in this context to mean nervous
or strange. A common use of a versatile adjective.
“funny”指的是覺得有些緊張, 覺得有些奇怪。
I'm very neurotic.
"Neurotic" is a very useful word from psychology that describes someone who is convinced the world is against them, or more generally, who is very nervous.
心理學術語, 指有些神經質, 就是指某人很容易緊張。
Did you know that I was an alcoholic?
Someone who is dependent on alcoholic drinks.
(1)酗酒成癮的人。
(2)另一個例子Workaholic指的是工作狂
For God's sake, Mrs. Robinson, here we are.
An interesting little expression that shows
frustration, anger or other intense emotion.
表達沮喪, 生氣或緊張情緒時常說之發語詞。
You start opening up your personal life.
Note that you can "open up" a book, but if you do the same
with your life, you are revealing its private details.
將自己的私事公開, 告訴別人。
You are trying to seduceme.....aren't you?
A critical verb meaning to try and attract, in a sexual or romantic way.
勾引, 引誘(特別指性方面之誘惑)。
I feel very flattered that you---
"To flatter" is to compliment excessively or insincerely, but if you
feel flattered, you are happy that somebody looks upon you positively.
(1)To flatter 指過度的褒獎恭維對方; (負面的意思)
(2)而某人感覺得到flattered , 是指別人對自己有好感, 或受到好評而覺得高興起來。
I'm mixed-up.
If a person is "mixed-up," they're generally confused.
(1)感到困惑, 無所適從。
(2)也常用I have mixed feelings表示情緒錯綜複雜。
Won't you unzip my dress?
Note that the noun is a "zipper" (the metal device used on clothes), but the verb is "to zip," or more dangerously, as in this case, "to unzip."
(1)解開拉鍊
(2)注意名詞 zipper。
He might get the wrong idea.
An interesting and common way to refer to an
inaccurate impression of a general situation.
弄錯了, 誤會, 得到錯誤的印象。
Well, I'll hand it to you.
Put here to remind you that an event in the immediate future will almost always take the contracted form of verb+will, and not the full form ("I will") or even "[I am] going to."
特別注意縮寫部分之發音, I’ll; I’m gonna + V.
Jesus Christ!
A very common way to express anger, surprise frustration, etc.
I want you to know that I'm available to you.
If a person is "available," they are ready to be of service.
常用這個說法表是某人時間或其他因素許可, 能提供服務或幫忙。
You can call me any time you want and we'll make some kind of arrangement.
An interesting alternative to agreement, in this case referring
to when and where Ben and Mrs. Robinson should meet.
安排兩人約會, 見面的時間, 這裡指的就是Ben 和 Mrs. Robinson之間的幽會。
Ben and Mr. Robinson discuss the future,
and Ben's parents celebrate his past.
Swell. I appreciate it.
A very old-fashioned way to say "great" when someone tells you good news.
很舊式的說法, 表示 “Great”. Swell 原意是腫脹之意。
Standing guard over the old castle, are you?
A "castle" is a huge fortress that was built in the middle ages,
but can be used, as in this case, to refer to one's own house.
(1)站崗看顧自己的房子。
(2)注意後面之附加問句配合前面(You’re) standing guard….。
You look like you need a refill.
Both a verb and noun, used when you're
still thirsty and your glass is now empty.
此處當名詞, 喝飲料時續杯。
You look a little shaken up.
If someone is "shaken up," they are upset, startled or possibly scared.
同義詞為upset, startled or scared.
Let's have a nightcap together.
A "nightcap" is a way to refer to the last drink of the evening.
指晚上(睡前) 小酌。
Scotch. Bourbon.
Two types of strong liquor.
兩種烈酒之名稱。Strong liquor.
That's a hell of a good age to be.
An expression used for emotional emphasis
that in this case is equivalent to "very."
加強語氣詞, 等同於very。
I hope you won't mind my giving you a friendly piece of advice.
"Advice" is an opinion on what should or should not be done.
Note that you can give some advice, or a piece of it.
注意advice 只有單數不可數型態, 可用 many pieces of advice 之量詞表示很多建議。
I think you ought to be taking it a little easier right now.
Generally speaking, "to take it easy" is to relax or not work too hard.
放輕鬆點。
Sow a few wild oats.
A silly and old-fashioned expression meaning to have sexual adventures with lots of different girls. "To sow" is literally to scatter seed, and oats are a type of cereal. Yes, a very stupid saying.
(1)邂逅很多不同的女孩，到處泡妞等意思。
(2)To sow 原意為播種, 而oats 是燕麥。
Have a good time with the girls and so forth.
Another way to say "and so on."
結交女朋友, 好好玩一玩之類的事。
You think that's sound advice?
As an adjective, "sound" means correct or wise.
(1)明智的, 好的(建議)
You have yourself a few flings this summer.
A "fling" is an interesting word for a brief sexual affair.
交交女朋友, 豔遇等經驗。
I bet you're quite a ladies' man.
"To bet" is obviously to gamble, but used with this common construction, it means to be sure of something. "A ladies' man"
is a stupid expression for a man who is popular with women.
(1)打賭, 確信。
(2)深受女人歡迎喜愛之男子。
You look like the kind of guy who has to fight them off.
"To fight off" something is to protect yourself from attack, although in this case, the something in question is women.
Fight off, 擊退。這裡指Mr. Robinson 覺得Ben 是個很有魅力的男人, 足以迷倒許多女人。
Ladies and Gentlemen, for this afternoon's feature attraction...
A common expression that refers to the "main event" when
there are two or more concert performers or movies.
特指宴會派對中最主要慶祝的重點或壓軸活動。
Now I'm going to ask for a big round of applause.
A "round of applause" refers to a few seconds of clapping, or cheering.
鼓掌歡迎。
Let me amend that.
"To amend" something is to change it. An "amendment" is a
change added to an official document, such as a Constitution.
(1)指修改一下, 修正一下。
(2)Amendment 也特別指如憲法裡修正之條文。
A Frank Halpingham award scholar.
A "scholar" is an educated person, student or researcher.
Students often receive awards named after people, as here.
(1)學者。
(2)此處指Ben 得到的榮譽, 獎項。
It better work or I'm out over 200 bucks.
Note that "better" is the only English adverb that also functions
as a model verb! "To be out" a certain amount of money is to
waste or lose it, and "bucks," are of course, dollars.
(1)better此字當助動詞用。
(2)Ben的爸爸花了200 元買潛水裝給Ben當作生日禮物, 並希望他在生日當天表演潛水給大家看, 要是表演失敗了, 錢就白花了。
(3)Bucks指錢，十分常用的字詞。
Some spectacular and amazing feats of daring.
"Spectacular" is an excellent word meaning sensational, or
perhaps, amazing. A "feat of daring" is a set expression that
refers to an act of great courage, perhaps done because the person
was challenged or dared to do it by someone else.
(1)精采絕倫的, 轟動的, 同義字為amazing。
(2)勇氣過人的行為。Daring 原指膽大的, 而feat 是指驚人的行為或大膽驚險之特技。
Ben rethinks Mrs. Robinson's offer, and the great adventure begins...
Mrs. Robinson, I don't know quite how to put this.
"Quite" is a filler word that often means exactly. Note that "to put"
can mean to express, when searching for the right words in a delicate
or embarrassing situation.
(1)精確地
(2)如何表達, 常用 “put”這個說法。
I was wondering if I could buy you a drink or something.
"To wonder" is to think about, and note that it is used in the past progressive tense when you want to ask somebody a question in
a high-risk situation.
(1)心中想著不知是否可以邀請某人…。
(2)注意此處用過去進行式來問意味著這狀況非比尋常。
Are you here for an affair, Sir?
Note the play on words: It's most common meaning is a secret and sexual relationship, but it can more generally refer to any kind of event, such as a party.
(1)通常affair指的是秘密或婚外情( 豔遇, 性關係等)。
(2)也可以泛指活動如派對等。如學務方面Student Affairs
I didn't get your name, Sir.
In this case, meaning to hear, but simply noted to remind you of the incredible semantic variations of this verb "to get"---To win, trap, make obtain, understand, become, arrive, etc....
(1)沒聽清楚你的名字
(2)注意“get”這個字在不同對話情境中所代表之意義皆有所不同。
I will have a martini.
A popular alcoholic drink made with vermouth and gin.
很流行的一種雞尾酒, 馬丁尼。
I'm a bit nervous. I mean it’s pretty hard to be suave when…
A "bit" is a common and excellent alternative for a little.
"Suave" is a good word meaning socially refined or smooth.
(1)A bit = a little
(2)社交行為溫文高雅, 如elegant, refined, smooth 等同義字詞。
I'll have a porter bring it in.
An old-fashioned word for the person who carries luggage to
your room in a hotel or train. "Bell-boy" is a bit more current.
(1)旅社或火車上幫忙提行李之工作人員, 比較舊式的說法。
(2)常用詞有bell-boy 即按一聲鈴, 服務人員來幫忙之意。
Actually, I'd just as soon find it myself.
A pretty common expression which basically means prefer.
注意此用語字片面不容易看出其意思, 基本上就是I’d prefer的意思。
Whatever you say, Sir.
"Whatever you prefer is OK with me."
你說了算, 你提議的我都OK, 沒有意見。
The desk clerk seems to be a little bit suspicious.
A key adjective that implies illegal or improper behavior. Note that "suspicious" is a complex word, for a person can be suspicious
of other people, or be acting in ways that is suspicious to other people.
(1)Suspicious 此字暗示性極強, 意指對一些非法或不恰當行徑產生懷疑。
(2)這字的用法很特別, 如I’m suspicious of other people對別人產生懷疑, 或是本身行為是可疑的, 如I am suspicious to them.
I don't know what their policy is.
A critical word, here referring to their principles of doing business.
規矩(政策), 如做生意之準則。
Shall I just stand here?
In American English, an old-fashioned word
for "should," but still widely used in England.
英式英語中仍常用shall 取代 should。
Will you bring me a hanger?
Devices found in closets to hang clothes, made of wood or wire.
衣架子( 掛衣服用)。
This is all terribly wrong.
"Terribly" is a good alternative adverb meaning "very" or "horribly. "
非常實用的一個副詞 = very = horribly.
I think they deserve a little better than jumping into bed with the partner's wife.
"To jump into bed" with someone implies to have sex with them.
Note that "partner" can refer to a girlfriend or boyfriend, or here, business associate.
和生意合夥人的老婆上床, 這裡指Ben 猶豫不決。
I think you're the most attractive of all my parent's friends.
"Attractive" is a neutral and safe word that can mean physically
pretty or even sexy, although it can also refer to a good personality.
迷人的, 性感的。通常也指一個人個性很好, 受人喜愛。
You're missing the point!
"You are not understanding exactly what I'm trying to tell you."
你完全沒聽懂我的意思。
That's a laugh, Mrs. Robinson.
Another possible way to say "that is ridiculous," or "what a joke!"
簡直是個玩笑。同義說法仍有That’s ridiculous 和what a joke!
Are you kidding?
"To kid" somebody is to tease or make fun of them,
often by saying something that cannot possibly be true.
Just because you happen to be inadequate in one way....
An interesting word meaning not satisfactory, or not good,
and considered very negative when applied to sexual skills!
不足, 不令人滿意, 如用來形容性能力即為一個非常負面的字。
I would say that I'm just drifting.
"To drift" is to move slowly without a particular direction or goal.
原意漂流不定, 意指三心二意尚無確切目標。
Have you thought about graduate school?
The level of university study after the first
four years of "undergraduate" education.
(1)研究所。
(2)注意大學部四年教育之說法為undergraduate education, 而大學部學生亦叫做 an undergraduate.
What was the point of all that hard work? :: You got me.
In a context like this, a cynical way to say "I have no idea."
若回答 “You got me”, 是極諷刺的說法, 表示 “我哪知道啊!?”“我根本不知道為什麼要那樣做”。
A young man should have a chance to relax...and lie around.
"To lie around" generally means to do nothing in particular,
outside of perhaps reading or watching TV.
整天躺著除看電視看閒書之外沒別的事可做。
I believe that a person would want to take some stock in himself...
An old-fashioned way to say "examine or use the skills that he has."
(1)檢查或應用自己所學之技能。
(2)Stock 原指股票, 知識等之儲存。
....and start to think about getting off his ass.
If you tell someone to "get off your ass," you are telling them
to stop being so lazy. An "ass," of course, is a butt, or derriere.
(1)Ass , butt 指的是一個人的屁股, 而derriere(法文) 也是指“後部”的意思。
(2)意指移動一下, 不要整天 “坐” 著太懶散。
I just think you two would hit it off real well together.
If two people "hit it off," this means that they each like other
after having gotten to know each other for the first time.
二人十分合得來。二人交往不錯, 很喜歡彼此。很常用的片語。
What do you do when you go off at night?
An interesting phrasal verb, here simply meaning to leave.
出門。
I don't want to play games with you.
Note that in this case, it means "I don't want to have to guess if
you're telling the truth." A related expression is "mind games."
不想和你玩 “鬥智”遊戲, 意指要Ben 說實話, 也不想去猜測他是否說謊還是真話。
Benjamin, I'm not going to pry into your affairs.
"To pry into" means to force open, and in this case,
"affairs" simply means Ben's various activities in life.
(1)強行進入, 或執意檢查。
(2)這裡的affairs 泛指Ben 的私生活(各種活動) 等。
Ben and Mrs. Robinson face their first crisis.
All we ever do is....leap into bed together.
"To leap" is to jump, and as you've seen, one can also "jump into bed."
“跳”上床。
Do you think we could liven it up with a few words now and then?
"To liven something up" is to make it more exciting or interesting.
更刺激些, 更有趣些, 此處Ben 建議是否先聊聊天, 再上床, 會更刺激有趣些。其實是顯出自己焦慮不安。
You say the driveway is on your side of the house?
The short road next to houses where cars are often parked.
房子旁邊之停車車道。
You didn't have to marry him or anything, did you?
If a couple "have to get married," it's often
because the woman accidentally got pregnant.
“have to ”意指是否因意外懷孕而非得結婚不可。
I mean...... what were the circumstances?
An important word referring to the various facts or
conditions that have influenced a general situation.
當時的情形如何? Circumstances 多為複數型。
What was your major?
In the present tense, this is every student's favorite question when getting to know another student: A student's "major" is their specific focus of study, such as History, Math or French.
(1)主修科目是什麼? 常用的問句, 同學不妨熟記。
(2)也常用動詞表現, 如I major in Math.
What does it possibly matter?
"How can this possibly be important?!"
這有什麼關係, (指應該沒什麼大不了的事)。
In the car, you did it?!
Note that in the right context, "to do it" means to have sex.
此處指在車子內做愛。
Well, why is this such a big taboo subject all of a sudden?
Topics that people avoid discussing because it makes them extremely uncomfortable (such as sex, alcoholism, money, etc.)
禁忌話題。
Benjamin, don't ever take that girl out.
"To take out" someone can often mean to go on a date with them.
與某人交往約會。Mrs. Robinson 要求Ben 不准和他的女兒約會。
I was just kidding around.
"To kid around" can mean to simply say
something one doesn't really mean.
指是開開玩笑。
I'm not good enough for her to associate with, am I?
"To associate with" somebody is to have some
kind of business or social relationship with them.
建立關係, 交往等。
You go to hell!
This is a less vulgar way of saying "fuck you," but note that
Ben's use of the pronoun. "You" is a relatively rare addition.