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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Benjamin Button
Daisy Fuller
Captain Mike Clark
Caroline Button
Roger Button
The Birth of Benjamin Button
Benjamins Unique Aging Process
Benjamins Childhood and Youth
Benjamins Adventures in the Navy
Reconnecting with Hildegarde
Meeting Daisy
Starting a Family
Reconciling with Daisy
Benjamins Final Days
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- When: Written in the early 20th century
- Who: Benjamin Button
- Theme: The inevitability of aging and the passage of time
List of Characters in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
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Benjamin Button
Benjamin Button is born with the appearance and physical characteristics of an old man and ages in reverse.
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Hildegarde Moncrief
Hildegarde Moncrief is a young woman who falls in love with Benjamin Button despite his unusual condition.
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Roger Button
Roger Button is Benjamin's father who struggles to come to terms with his son's unique aging process.
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Elizabeth Button
Elizabeth Button is Benjamin's wife who has to adjust to his changing appearance over the years.
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Corky
Corky is a friend of Benjamin's who provides support and companionship throughout his life.
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Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Button
Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Button are Benjamin's grandparents who are initially shocked by his condition but eventually come to accept and love him.
Timeline of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Benjamin Button is born with the appearance and physical characteristics of an old man.
Benjamin's father is initially horrified by his son's condition but ultimately accepts him.
Benjamin's childhood is marked by his inability to fit in with his peers due to his old age.
Benjamin's father enrolls him in kindergarten, where he develops a close friendship with a girl named Hildegarde Moncrief.
As Benjamin grows older, he begins to physically regress and age in reverse.
Benjamin attends Yale University but finds it challenging to adapt to the lifestyle of a college student.
Benjamin becomes romantically involved with a woman named Hildegarde Moncrief, whom he met during his time at kindergarten.
Benjamin's relationship with Hildegarde deteriorates due to his reverse aging, as he becomes physically younger while she grows older.
Benjamin leaves his hometown of Baltimore and travels around the world, experiencing various adventures.
Benjamin returns to Baltimore and reunites with his childhood friend, Hildegarde, who is now a grandmother.
Benjamin falls in love with a young woman named Daisy, who he meets at a party.
Benjamin and Daisy marry and have a daughter named Roscoe.
Benjamin's reverse aging continues, and he becomes a young boy while Daisy grows older.
Daisy eventually leaves Benjamin, unable to cope with the challenges of their unconventional relationship.
Benjamin reconnects with his father, who has also aged in reverse, and they develop a close bond.
Benjamin becomes a successful businessman and writer.
In his old age, Benjamin is taken care of by his son, Roscoe.
Benjamin becomes a baby and eventually passes away, having lived a unique and extraordinary life.
Vocabulary List
- Curious
- Benjamin Button's unique aging process made him a curious case to all who knew him.
- Age
- Benjamin Button ages in reverse, starting as an old man and becoming younger as time goes on.
- Youth
- As Benjamin Button grows younger, he experiences the joys and freedoms of youth.
- Time
- The concept of time is warped in Benjamin Button's life as he ages in reverse.
- Society
- Benjamin Button's unconventional aging process challenges societal norms and expectations.
- Family
- Benjamin Button's family struggles to understand and accept his unique condition.
- Love
- Despite his unusual circumstances, Benjamin Button finds love and companionship throughout his life.
- Acceptance
- Ultimately, Benjamin Button learns to accept and embrace his unconventional life.
- Regret
- Benjamin Button reflects on the passage of time and experiences moments of regret for what could have been.
- Wisdom
- As Benjamin Button ages in reverse, he gains wisdom and perspective beyond his years.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" was first published in 1922.
- - The story follows the life of Benjamin Button, who is born as an old man and ages in reverse.
- - Benjamin Button's father initially believes his son is a monster and abandons him.
- - Benjamin Button's mother raises him on her own and keeps his unusual condition a secret.
- - Benjamin Button grows younger physically but retains his memories and experiences.
- - He attends school with children much younger than him due to his reverse aging.
- - Benjamin Button falls in love with a young girl named Hildegarde Moncrief, but their relationship faces challenges due to their age difference.
- - Benjamin Button becomes a sailor and travels the world, experiencing various adventures.
- - He eventually returns to his childhood home and reconnects with Hildegarde, who has aged normally.
- - Hildegarde accepts Benjamin's unusual condition and they marry.
- - Benjamin's physical appearance continues to regress, causing difficulties in their relationship.
- - Benjamin becomes a father to a daughter named Roscoe, who ages normally.
- - Roscoe initially struggles to accept her father's reverse aging but eventually embraces him.
- - Benjamin establishes a successful business and becomes wealthy.
- - As Benjamin continues to grow younger, he becomes physically and mentally dependent on others.
- - Benjamin's wife and daughter care for him during his final years.
- - Benjamin eventually regresses into infancy and dies as a newborn baby.
- - The story explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the importance of acceptance.
- - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" was adapted into a film in 2008, starring Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button.
- - F. Scott Fitzgerald drew inspiration for the story from a remark made by Mark Twain about a baby born with an old man's face.
Analysis & Significance
Impact on Literature
‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald has had a lasting impact on literature by challenging traditional notions of aging and time. The concept of aging in reverse has inspired numerous works exploring the complexities of identity and the passage of time, influencing a wide range of genres from science fiction to magical realism.
Enduring Themes
The timeless themes of ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ continue to resonate with modern audiences, including the inevitability of change, the fragility of life, and the importance of living in the present moment. The story’s exploration of the human experience and the acceptance of mortality offers a poignant reflection on the human condition that remains relevant today.
Cultural Significance Today
With its legacy as a classic American short story, ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ has been adapted into various mediums, including a critically acclaimed film starring Brad Pitt. The story’s themes of aging, love, and the passage of time have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone in literature and film.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Games
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