Benjamin Button

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Protagonist who ages backward from an old man to an infant.

I

The newborn son, who appears as a man of about seventy, with white hair, a long beard, and a querulous, elderly voice.

II

The newborn son who appears as an old man with a beard, watery eyes, and ancient teeth; he is dressed in a child's costume and called Methuselah.

III

Now twelve years old but appearing elderly; notices his hair turning from white to iron-gray and his wrinkles fading; negotiates to wear long trousers; continues to defy his father's expectations by reading encyclopedias and smoking.

IV

At eighteen, Benjamin appears as a man of fifty, passes Yale's entrance exams, but is expelled by the registrar who refuses to believe his age.

V

Now twenty years old, begins working at Roger Button & Co. and attends a dance where he falls in love with Hildegarde Moncrief.

VI

Engaged to Hildegarde Moncrief; subject of scandalous rumors about his age and origins.

VII

Experiences renewed vigor and success in business; grows disillusioned with his wife; joins the Spanish-American War and returns a decorated officer.

VIII

Returns home to find himself growing younger, causing marital tension; he takes up golf and dancing, becoming socially active.

IX

Enters Harvard as a freshman, excels in football, but physically regresses through college; after graduation lives with his son Roscoe and is treated as a burden.

Benjamin Button's Military Ambition

Receives a commission as brigadier-general and attempts to report for duty, but is humiliated by his youthful appearance.

XI

Now appearing as a young boy, attends kindergarten with his grandson, regresses to infantile dependency, loses all memories of his past.