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Age 70
THe mysterious Benjamin Button is born-- but not as a baby, as an old man. He is rusty, rather ancient, and speaks with intelligence and fluency that no normal baby is able to do, and for that matter even it is erratic that he can even speak. In fact, when his father first met him, he asked, " Are you my father?... Because if you are, I wish you'd get me out of this place-- or, at least, get them to put a comfortable rocker in here." -
Age 58
At the age of "12" it seems that Benjamin was indeed growing younger. His hair had changed from white to gray, and many of his deeply etched wrinkles were dissapearing. His physical condition seemed it a fitter state, and he was noticing these differences. He announced to his father: "I am grown... I want to put on long trousers." (pg. 68) -
Age 50
As was his age, Benjamin was now more similar to his than ever before. His hair was still slightly gray, for he had stopped dying it, and now that he was "20" he had reached a social age and was his father's usual companion at events. At one particular party, he met a woman name Hildegarde, who undoubtedly he was in entranced by: "A rigor passed over him, blood rose to his cheeks, his forehead, and there was a steady thumping in his ears. It was first love." (pg.72) They married soon after. -
Age 20
Through his marriage with Hildergarde many changes had aquainted him. He had felt young and free, but she, being much older now, was not keen on going out to parties and the thrills of youth. He went off to the army, and he came back feeling more indifferent then ever.He set off for Harvard and was met with happiness, he was the star football player that was admired by many. But things were becoming difficult," he became known as something of a prodigy--a senior who was no more than 16."(pg.78) -
Age 10-5
Benjamin, now living with his son, was slightly miserable. Roscoe treated him rather harshly, but still seemed confused about Benjamin's age, as was Benjamin himself. Roscoe would not allow him to do much outside of the house, and he was bored. So Benjamin contented to be play with Roscoe's son, "He took them both to kindergarden and Benjamin found that playing with little strips of colored paper, making mats and chains and curious and beautiful designs, was the most fasinating game." (page 82) -
Age 0
Benjamin had gone to kindergarden for a third time, but had been thouroughly confused and upset by what the other children were doing that he was taken out. The nurse Nana comforted him, and that was all he knew, her comforting, soft tough and his peaceful sleep. All of his past was forgotten, "he did not remember clearly whether the milk was warm or cool, or how the days had passed-- there was only his crib and Nana's firmiliar presence. And then he remebered nothing. (pg. 83)