-
Ben has a job as a teacher but dreams of publishing his book
Ben is a teacher, although this is not his passion; he wants to publish his book. This relates to Levinson's theory because it is one of the four major tasks; he has formed a dream, this is also forming an occupation. -
Ben gets engaged
Ben getting engaged relates to Levinson's theory because it is one of the four major tasks; forming love relationships, marriage and family. Both this and Ben's initial career as a teacher show how he is forming adulthood; completing education, preliminary plans for adult life etc. -
Ben buys a motorcycle
Ben gets the cancer diagnosis and decides to buy the motorcycle he has always wanted to buy. He wanted to buy himself a motorcycle for a while, but his Fiancé did not like the idea; to make her happy he did not buy one. This relates to Levinson's theory because he formed a dream of wanting to own a motorcycle and made it a place in his life structure. -
Ben talks to friend about diagnosis and Fiancé
At one point in the film Ben meets up with a friend at a motel. The friend recommends marijuana for his cancer diagnosis, they later talk about love. The man had given Ben the advice that if he didn't know for certain if he was in love, then he wasn't. This relates to Levinson's theory because it is one of the four major tasks; forming mentor relationships. -
Ben cheats on his Fiancé
While being on the road for a while, Ben cheats on his Fiancé and realizes he doesn't love her. He is honest with her and they decide to end the relationship and move on. This relates to Levinson's theory because he is modifying/ending relationships to make way for the possibility of new relationships -
Ben publishes his book
Ben publishes his book, he has always wanted to publish his book but kept the steady job of being a teacher. Getting the cancer diagnosis was a huge stressor for Ben and made him achieve his dream. This relates to Levinson's theory because he had a dream all along, and just hadn't fulfilled it.
