Will Ben and Elaine have a successful marriage? Please give specific reasons why or why not.

So, does the ending shot of the film, when the happy expressions on the couple’s faces change to expressions of terror, mean that their future is already predetermined to turn out like the futures of their families? People who state that the film ends pessimistically ignore the fact that it is a natural reaction to feel nervous or terrified upon cutting all ties with one’s family. It can be easy to forget in this moment that the dysfunctional family lifestyle of the Robinsons was enough to force Ben and Elaine to rebel. If they were able to perform the initial act of rebellion by running away from the wedding, they may still be able to make the conscious effort of having different lives than those of their parents. In The Graduate, the only thing that gives Ben’s life meaning is the presence of Elaine. Since Elaine holds so much importance to Ben, it is likely that their relationship will not be a loveless marriage like the one of the Robinsons, marked by alienation and spitefulness. It may not be possible to call the ending moments of the film optimistic, since their future is still mysterious and the likelihood for mistakes is ever present, but the ending is more optimistic than it seems at first. Check this out:

https://explainingfilm.wordpress.com/2017/06/03/the-ending-of-the-graduate/