Robinson, but she is finished with that part of her life. This is partly why he likes Elaine so much because they have a lot in common - mainly age. The adults are happy to give him advice, and experience youth again through him, but they won't hear what he has to say. They act like they know him very well, but they don't. One man at the party can't remember what award Benjamin won, and more importantly doesn't care. Even Mr. Robinson has to be reminded of what Benjamin's name is. After Ben tells him that he likes bourbon, Mr. Robinson ignores him, and pours him scotch, on another occasion, Mr. Robinson says "Still a scotch man?- Everyone seems to have a great idea of what Benjamin's future will look like, constantly giving him advice . .
Another insight into Benjamin's personality is the scene where he is in the scuba suit. This is Ben's birthday, and his parents are dressing him up like a clown in order to show off to their friends. Ben hears nothing of what his father is saying, he doesn't even care. His parents push him into the pool, and he sinks to the bottom and sits there until the screen turns white, giving the feeling that Benjamin is literally drowning in his parent's world. Water plays a very important metaphorical role in the film: Water symbolizes the generational gap, which separates Ben, and the adults in his life. The montage in which Ben goes from the pool to the bed with Mrs. Robinson represents the other realm away from adults, which he is so keen on. In one scene, Ben gets up and closes the door to his room shutting off his parents from his view; this also symbolizes the gap of generation, and of values. Throughout the film, he frequently gazes at his fish tank, the water, and the tank or "enclosure- represents his detachment from his parents and their generation. One could think of the fish as representing Ben, swimming aimlessly, cut off from any real interaction with anyone, but with everyone looking in on him.