During his affair with Mrs. Robbinson, Ben's curiosity overcomes Mrs. Robbinson's choice to involve no emotions. As her past is uncovered we learn all about the grudge she holds against her own daughter because she is the reason why she has had to endure a dying marriage. Ben is forced to promise her that he will never ask Elaine out, even if its against the wishes of all the other adults in his life.
Besides the promise, Ben is forced into a date with Elaine, which turns into true love.
But do we know that these too sweet-hearts are really in love?
I question this with due reason, based on the last frame in the movie. Once the rush of pulling Elaine out of her wedding, and running away to the nearest bus station, the couple's enthusiastic expressions fade away and more questioning looks begin to overwhelm them.
I believe that this is the reality setting in. They had just made a very bold move, and it was hard to process what was actually going on until it was over. Although I think in some way they do love each other, just like the Robinsons, the reason why they were both so devoted to each other was not only love, but the thrill of the chase.
The couple was so fixated on getting to the point of relaxation that they never had time to really let their emotions play out. Now that they've run away and embarrassed their family, can they really turn away from each other if their relationship dies?
Will the young couple end up like the Robinsons?
You raise really good points and questions. With the movie ending the way it did it's inevitable that it could go in many different directions. I agree with the connection you made between Ben and Mrs. Robinson and Ben and Elaine. I noticed throughout the film, Ben had a lot of hesitations, and passive behavior; we do not see the same actions with Elaine. After the obstacle between the two of them, Ben does anything he can to end up with Elaine and he is very straight forward. I think the ending is them processing the violent actions they performed and what they're going to do next; therefore I don't believe the young couple will end up like the Robinsons.
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