The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

1. Where was Benjamin Button born?

Baltimore

2. What is unusual about Benjamin at birth?

He appears to be a 70 year-old man

3. How does Benjamin age throughout the story?

He ages backward

4. What is Benjamin’s father’s name?

Roger Button

5. What does Benjamin’s father initially want to do when he sees him?

Hide him

6. What does Benjamin’s father buy for him to wear at first?

Adult clothing

7. How do people react to Benjamin’s appearance as a child?

With indifference

8. At age 5 (chronologically), how does Benjamin behave?

Like an adult

9. Why does Benjamin struggle in school?

He behaves older than his classmates

10. Who does Benjamin fall in love with?

Hildegarde Moncrief

11. How does Hildegarde initially perceive Benjamin?

As mysterious and mature

12. What happens to Benjamin’s appearance as he gets older (chronologically)?

He becomes younger

13. What career does Benjamin pursue?

Soldier

14. How does Benjamin perform in the military?

Exceptionally well

15. What happens to Benjamin and Hildegarde’s relationship over time?

It weakens. Hildegard is aging normally while Benjamin is getting younger. He no longer finds her attractive

16. How does Hildegarde age compared to Benjamin?

Normally

17. What happens to Benjamin’s social life as he grows younger?

It improves

18. How does Benjamin’s relationship with his son develop?

Benjamin becomes more like his son’s child

19. What ultimately happens to Benjamin at the end of the story?

He dies as an infant

20. What is a central theme of the story?

The inevitability of aging and time