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Majority Complete |
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Signposts Only |
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Major Characters |
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Partial |
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Author: |
Jerzy Kosinski | |
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Genre: |
Political and Social Satire | |
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Setting: |
Washington, D. C. | |
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Period: |
Approximately 1960's-late 1970's | |
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Analysis by: |
Katharine E. Monahan Huntley |
Comments:
Dramatica looks at the book, "Being There," as a tale. In the film, a viable Obstacle Character is developed (Dr. Allenby) turning the tale into a story. The Main Character (Chance) is an example of the quintessential Be-er.
Story Points illustrations are taken from the book and/or film, and short quotations from either source support these illustrations, where appropriate.
Brief Synopsis:
Blockbuster Video description:
A gardener's entire knowledge is comprised of what he has learned by watching television. His reticent behavior is interpreted as being that of a genius. Biting satire of Americans and television.
Overall Character Mini-Synopsis:
Name: Chance
ID: Main Character
Gender: Male
Description:
His name was Chance because he had been born by chance. He had no family. Although his mother had been very pretty, her mind had been as damaged as his, the soft soil of his brain, the ground from which all his thoughts shot up, had been ruined forever. (Kosinski, 1970, p.7)
Role: Gardener for
the Old Man, friend to the Rands
Characteristics:
Evaluation: Process; Unproven; Trust; Unending
Purpose: Inertia; Perception
Name: Dr. Allenby
ID: Impact Character
Gender: Male
Description:
Rands' close friend and personal physician
Role: Doctor
Characteristics:
Evaluation: Test
Purpose: Actuality
Name: Ben Rand
Gender: Male
Description:
Chairman of the board of the First American Financial Corporation; financial advisor to the President of the United States; age-late seventies; although ailing, active in financial and government affairs; conservative and extremely wealthy
Role: Eve's husband
Characteristics:
Evaluation: Proven; Ending
Purpose: Aware; Ability
Name: Eve Rand
Gender: Female
Description:
Socially impeccable; sexually repressed; approx. mid-forties, attractive
Role: Ben's Wife
Characteristics:
Motivation: Help
Evaluation: Result
Purpose: Change
Name: Louise
Gender: Female
Description:
Jamaican; Cynical yet kind-hearted
Role: Old Man's maid
Characteristics:
Motivation: Support
Name: Old Man
Gender: Male
Description:
The Old Man took Chance in as a baby and provided him with a home and garden until his death.
Role: Chance's benefactor
Name: The President
Gender: Male
Description:
Sexually impotent figurehead; a political being
Role: Leader of U.S.
Characteristics:
Purpose: Self Aware
Name: Thomas Franklin
Gender: Male
Description:
Ambitious
Role: Lawyer-Old Man's
estate
Characteristics:
Purpose: Desire
Nature as it relates to Actual Work:
Chance's decision to remain steadfast secures his future, complete with gardens and television sets.
Essence as it relates to Negative Feel:
Ben is dying, and because of his impending death, Eve's happy marriage to Ben is coming to an end; because of the state of the economy, the President's popularity is waning and chances for a re-election are slim.
Tendency as it relates to Unwilling:
Chance is not willing to leave the garden and television sets at the Old Man's house, and later, at the Rand's.
Reach as it relates to Both:
Both women and men will empathize with Chance, a man trying to fulfill his basic drive for shelter, and desire to continue his life's work.
Main Character Resolve as it relates to Steadfast:
Chance remains steadfast in his desire to live in a home where he can work in a garden and watch television.
Impact Character Resolve as it relates to Change:
Main Character Growth as it relates to Stop:
Chance must hold on until he finds a permanent living arrangement.
Main Character Approach as it relates to Be-er:
Chance accepts any situation he finds himself in; he adapts himself to the environment:
"Chance did what he was told" (Kosinski, 1970, p. 7).
Main Character Problem-Solving Style as it relates to Logical:
Chance uses the male problem solving technique of cause and effect. For example, when faced with threatening gang members, he attempts to turn them off with a television remote control.
Story Driver as it relates to Action:
When the Old Man dies, Chance is forced out of the only home he has ever known. Once on the outside, he is hit by a limousine, resulting in its owner, Eve Rand, taking responsibility for Chance's recovery and well-being; and so forth.
Story Limit as it relates to Optionlock:
There are only a limited number of sources the doctor can fully investigate to find out Chance's background before he comes to the realization that Chance truly is who he claims to be, a simple gardener.
Story Outcome as it relates to Success:
Benjamin Rand is at peace when he dies, knowing Chance and Eve will be together and his associates will put Chance in the White House; Dr. Allenby is satisfied that Chance loves his dear friend, Eve; men of influence are satisfied that Chance, the man who has no past, will make a good candidate for President of the United States.
Story Judgment as it relates to Good:
Chance is no longer homeless. He has grown to love Eve, who will provide him with a home, gardens, and a television in every room:
"A breeze fell upon the foliage and nestled under the cover of its moist leaves. Not a thought lifted itself from Chance's brain. Peace filled his chest" (Kosinski, 1970, p. 118).
Overall Story Name: "Gardens and Television Sets"
Throughline Synopsis:
Benjamin Rand is a powerful man who has the skills and abilities to manipulate presidents and stock markets. Unfortunately for him, he is dying and doesn't have a suitable heir to his millions. An unknown man by the name of Chance happens into the Rands' life, forever changing the world of U.S. politics and high finance. Chance's simple expressions and responses to those around him are interpreted as great revelations, when they truly represent each listener's own desires and search for understanding.
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Manipulation:
All the objective characters make their own (erroneous) interpretation of actuality; Chance thinks electronically generated images (TV) are real; with few exceptions, all that come in contact with Chance attribute greater meaning to his pronouncements than they actually warrant:
"I have seen ashes and I have seen powders," said Chance. "I know that both are bad for growth in the garden." "Hear, hear!" the woman sitting on Chance's right cried out..."Mr. Gardiner has the uncanny ability of reducing complex matters to the simplest of human terms." (Kosinski, 1970, p. 88)
Concern as it relates to Developing a Plan:
All the objective characters are concerned with who Chance is and how he fits into the scheme of things.
Issue as it relates to Situation :
The state of affairs in the nation are problematic/unstable; Benjamin Rand's position as the First American Financial Corporation's chairman of the board makes him an important advisor to the President; Chance's living situation at the Old Man's is disrupted by his death, forcing Chance out into the world and in search of a garden; Ben's illness requires his doctor live in, making it convenient for Eve to take Chance to her home instead of a hospital for medical attention; Eve's social status requires an escort to certain functions, as Chance fulfills that role, they become closer.
Counterpoint as it relates to Circumstances :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Situation vs. Circumstances:
Problem as it relates to Chaos:
The Old Man's death puts Chance's life into chaos; Ben is dying of a aplastic anemia (a young person's disease); the country is in a state of economic chaos:
"...these are the facts: unemployment is approaching catastrophic proportions, unprecedented in this country; the market continues to fall toward 1929 levels; some of the largest and finest companies in our country have collapsed" (Kosinski, 1970, pp. 88-89).
Solution as it relates to Order:
Remaining with the Rands solves Chance's problem of finding a home; Ben puts his life in order as his death draws near; men of influence methodically go through a list of potential candidates for President and determine Chance is their best choice.
Symptom as it relates to Perception:
Everyone has their own perception of Chance; Chance perceives life as television; Louise perceives it's a white man's world; the American public perceives Chance's words as metaphors for the social and economic situation.
Response as it relates to Actuality:
The objective characters are directed toward finding out who Chance actually is; the President is concerned about his standing with the American public.
Catalyst as it relates to Circumstances:
The Rands' fondness for Chance serves to promote him into political and social prominence.
Inhibitor as it relates to Falsehood:
The President falsely claims a close relationship with Chance, causing a commotion in the government and media.
Benchmark as it relates to Changing One's Nature:
The more Chance becomes entrenched in the Washington D.C. political and social scene, the more he becomes accepted as a powerful political figure; Eve's uptight nature becomes transformed after her sexual experience with Chance.
Goal as it relates to Developing a Plan:
All the objective characters are concerned with how to realize the hope Chance's observations about life give for their future and the welfare of the country.
Consequence as it relates to Understanding:
If people understood who Chance really is, a simple gardener, they would not put their confidence in him and the positive effect he engenders would not take place.
Cost as it relates to The Past:
In an attempt to find strong leaders for the country, men of influence discount many potential candidates because of their past:
O'Flaherty spoke easily:
"What was the trouble with Duncan? With Frank and with Shellman, for that matter, and with so many of the others we've considered and have had to reject? The damn trouble was that they all had background, too much background! A man's past cripples him: his background turns into a swamp and invites scrutiny." (Kosinski, 1970, p.116)
Dividend as it relates to Memories:
If Ben's associates follow through with his last wishes and support Chance for President, they will have honored his memory; long after he has died, Eve will savor happy memories of her marriage with Ben.
Requirements as it relates to Changing One's Nature:
Chance evolves from a gardener to a Presidential advisor; Eve becomes Chance's lover; because of his confidence in Chance, Ben becomes comfortable with the reality of his death.
Prerequisites as it relates to Obtaining:
Chance must not have a past that would reflect negatively on a future position of power; Ben fulfills a prerequisite for putting his life in order by obtaining a romantic partner (Chance) for Eve.
Preconditions as it relates to The Future:
There must be no discovery of Chance's past in the future; Ben must determine what is necessary to ensure a happy future for Eve before he dies.
Forewarnings as it relates to Innermost Desires:
The President's sexual impotence is representative of his impotence as leader of the country; and so forth.
Main vs. Impact Story Name: "The Doctor Investigates the Gardener"
Throughline Synopsis:
Chance comes into conflict with Dr. Allenby because of Chance's effect on the Rands. Although Chance never presents himself as anything other than what he truly is, Dr. Allenby is certain that Chance has ulterior motives and sets about "outing" him.
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Activity:
Dr. Allenby investigates Chance's past to discover his true identity.
Concern as it relates to Understanding:
Dr. Allenby wants to understand who "Chauncey Gardiner" really is and how he may impact the Rands.
Issue as it relates to Senses :
Dr. Allenby observes Chance's strange behavior, and interprets it (correctly) as retardation.
Counterpoint as it relates to Interpretation :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Senses vs. Interpretation:
Problem as it relates to Self Aware:
Chance is not self-aware. His childlike innocence and quirky behavior, combined with his ability to influence the Rands, causes Dr. Allenby to investigate the man.
Solution as it relates to Aware:
Once Dr. Allenby is aware that Chauncey Gardiner is Chance the gardener, and that he only has good intentions towards the Rands, he accepts him.
Symptom as it relates to Perception:
Dr. Allenby perceives Chance as a possible threat to the Rands.
Response as it relates to Actuality:
Dr. Allenby investigates who Chance actually is, to see if he is truly a threat to the Rands.
Catalyst as it relates to Interpretation:
Dr. Allenby's interpretation of Chance's behavior and its impact on people, drives him to find out about Chance's past.
Inhibitor as it relates to Destiny:
Ben and Eve's favorable comments about Chance, and their belief he was destined to become part of their family, makes it difficult for Dr. Allenby to cast doubt on him.
Benchmark as it relates to Obtaining:
The more information Dr. Allenby obtains about Chance, the more he comes to believe in him.
Role: Gardener for the Old Man, friend to the Rands
Description:
His name was Chance because he had been born by chance. He had no family. Although his mother had been very pretty, her mind had been as damaged as his, the soft soil of his brain, the ground from which all his thoughts shot up, had been ruined forever. (Kosinski, 1970, p.7)
Throughline Synopsis:
Chance is a slightly retarded adult who has grown up without much contact with the outside world. His one true skill is as a gardener. His one great passion is watching television.
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Fixed Attitude:
Chance has a fixed state of mind; he relates everything to a garden or what he has seen on television.
Concern as it relates to Memories:
When Chance is concerned about something (which is not often), it is usually addressed by a recollection of some sort -- typically in reference to gardening, his strongest memories. He expresses these concerns via gardening tips throughout the story. When Chance recollects his first visit with the Old Man, it is established what he was to do with his life:
The words that the Old Man had spoken to him the first time had wormed their way into his memory like firm roots...Chance was to work in the garden, where he would care for plants and grasses and trees which grew there peacefully. He would be as one of them: quiet, openhearted in the sunshine and heavy when it rained. (Kosinski, 1970, pp. 6-7)
Issue as it relates to Truth :
Chance always tells the truth. It is this very ingenuousness that catches others off-guard, especially in a society where certain falsehoods (white lies, instances of tactfulness) are accepted.
Counterpoint as it relates to Falsehood :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Truth vs. Falsehood:
Problem as it relates to Thought:
Because he is retarded, Chance's thought process is impaired.
Solution as it relates to Knowledge:
Once Chance learns that Eve will not close up her home after Benjamin dies, he begins to feel that he is safe (although Chance will probably always remain a stranger to long-lasting knowledge, and the future will continue to be beyond his knowledge):
The thought that he might have to leave did not upset him; he knew that eventually he would have to go but that, as on TV, what would follow next was hidden; he knew the actors on the new program were unknown. He did not have to be afraid, for everything that happened had its sequel, and the best that he could do was to wait patiently for his own forthcoming appearance. (Kosinski, 1970, p. 32)
Symptom as it relates to Perception:
Chance focuses his attention on television, and from this gets a skewed view of reality. Additionally, his focus on how things appear to be is sometimes troublesome for others, especially when Chance seems to be so comfortable with the many misconceptions made about his language skills, his political skills, his background, and so forth.
Response as it relates to Actuality:
Chance tries to "make real" what he has seen on television, and is often surprised at the differences real life has to offer him. He comments to the President that the President looks much taller on the television (referring to the TV image/real life size difference). Anytime he can, Chance will use what he has seen on television as a means of evaluating actuality:
Chance picked up the paper. He held it in both hands and stared at it. He tried to calculate the time needed to read a page. On TV the time it took people to read legal papers varied. Chance knew that he should not reveal that he could not read or write. On TV programs people who did not know how to read or write were often mocked and ridiculed. (Kosinski, 1970, pp. 19-29)
Unique Ability as it relates to Suspicion:
Although Chance is clearly above being suspicious of anyone/anything, his unknown past makes him a target of immense suspicion. Suspicions about his past that are laid to rest makes way for a happy future with Eve, a future for the Rand dynasty, and a potential nurturing leader of the United States.
Critical Flaw as it relates to Sense of Self:
Chance has no sense-of-self:
By changing the channel he could change himself. He could go through phases, as garden plants went through phases, but he could change as rapidly as he wished by twisting the dial backward and forward. In some cases he could spread out into the screen without stopping, just as on TV people spread out into the screen. By turning the dial, Chance could bring others inside his eyelids. Thus he came to believe that it was he, Chance, and no one else, who made himself be. (Kosinski, 1970, p. 5)
Benchmark as it relates to Innermost Desires:
Chance has the basic desire for food, shelter, and the feeling of self-worth he receives from taking care of a garden. The more secure he is in the Rands' home, the more these basic drives are fulfilled.
Role: Doctor
Description:
Rands' close friend and personal physician
Throughline Synopsis:
Dr. Allenby is a friend of the Rands and acts as Ben's personal physician. His primary concern is to see to Ben's welfare and medical needs.
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Situation:
As Benjamin Rand's primary caregiver, Dr. Allenby is temporarily situated in the Rand household, therefore on hand to treat Chance's injuries.
Concern as it relates to The Past:
Dr. Allenby is concerned with who Chance is and where he has come from, and most importantly, how he will impact Ben and Eve.
Issue as it relates to Fate :
Dr. Allenby must determine that the fate that brought Chance to the Rand household will result in Chance's ultimate destiny as Eve's husband and President of the United States.
Counterpoint as it relates to Destiny :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Fate vs. Destiny:
Problem as it relates to Chaos:
Dr. Allenby cannot understand Chance's strange antics.
Solution as it relates to Order:
Dr. Allenby is satisfied that Chance is who he says he is, a gardener, and he will make Eve and Ben happy.
Symptom as it relates to Thought:
Dr. Allenby does not know what to think about Chance's odd behavior, but he is intrigued enough to investigate his background. If he discovers Chance is a retarded gardener, he can expose him to the Rands, which may result in Chance being homeless once more.
Response as it relates to Knowledge:
Once Dr. Allenby is certain that Chance is a gardener, and will cause no harm to Eve or anyone else, he is willing to step aside.
Unique Ability as it relates to Interdiction:
As Ben's physician, Dr. Allenby can intercede on his behalf and nullify Chance's effect on the Rands.
Critical Flaw as it relates to Conditioning:
After the Rands make clear their fondness for Chauncey Gardiner, Dr. Allenby, conditioned to look after their best interests, keeps the information of Chance's true identity to himself.
Benchmark as it relates to The Future:
As Dr. Allenby determines that Chance will impact the Rands' future, he becomes more concerned with finding out about Chance's past.
The Overall Throughline Act Order:
Overall Story Signpost 1 as it relates to Playing a Role:
Chance imitates people on TV, such as the livery driver in Gone With the Wind, and the President of the United States; Louise the maid is concerned that Chance will always be a child; Thomas Franklin and Miss Hayes are concerned with acting on the instruction of their law office to close up the Old Man's house, even though it is evident they are putting a man out on the streets; the street gang Chance encounters is concerned with taking a tough stance; Eve is concerned with acting as a good Samaritan after Chance's accident.
Overall Story Journey 1 from Playing a Role to Changing One's Nature:
Overall Story Signpost 2 as it relates to Changing One's Nature:
Chance becomes part of the Rand household; Eve is concerned with becoming a widow; the President is concerned with becoming unpopular; Benjamin invites Chance to consider becoming part of "a program to assist American businesses that have been harassed by inflation, excessive taxation, riots, and other indecencies" (Kosinski, 1970, p. 35).
Overall Story Journey 2 from Changing One's Nature to Conceiving an Idea:
Overall Story Signpost 3 as it relates to Conceiving an Idea:
The financial editor of The Evening Post tries to conceive there is no background information on Chauncey Gardiner and insists his assistant continue her research; Thomas Franklin's significant other has the idea he is having an affair with Miss Hayes; because of his illness, Benjamin comes up with the idea of asking Chance to escort Eve to an important dinner; after listening to the words of Chance, the President conceives of a way to reassure the public "that no drastic governmental measures were forthcoming, even though there had been another sudden decline in productivity" (Kosinski, 1970, p.47) by likening the state of economy to a garden.
Overall Story Journey 3 from Conceiving an Idea to Developing a Plan:
Overall Story Signpost 4 as it relates to Developing a Plan:
Benjamin Rand's pallbearers discuss putting Chance into the White House; the Soviet Ambassador envisions a friendship with Chance will help to keep peace between the U.S. and the Soviet Union; Ronald Stiegler of Eidolon Books develops a plan for Chance to author a book without ever having to actually write it:
I can't write, said Chance. Stiegler smiled deprecatingly. Of course-but who can, nowadays? It's no problem. We can provide you with our best editors and research assistants. I can't even write a simple postcard to my children. So what? I can't even read, said Chance. Of course not! Steigler exclaimed. Who has time? One glance at things, talks, listens, watches. (Kosinski, 1970, p.87)
The Main vs. Impact Throughline Act Order:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 1 as it relates to Doing:
Chance agrees to go to the Rand home and allow Dr. Allenby to examine him.
Main vs. Impact Story Journey 1 from Doing to Obtaining:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 2 as it relates to Obtaining:
Dr. Allenby asks Chance if he is planning to sue the Rands for damages; Dr. Allenby searches Chance's room for information after observing his eccentric behavior.
Main vs. Impact Story Journey 2 from Obtaining to Gathering Information:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 3 as it relates to Gathering Information:
When Dr. Allenby ascertains the effect Chance has on Ben and Eve, he telephones Thomas Franklin in an attempt to learn more about the man.
Main vs. Impact Story Journey 3 from Gathering Information to Understanding:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 4 as it relates to Understanding:
Upon Ben's death, a conversation with Chance results in Dr. Allenby understanding the man:
You've become quite a close friend of Eve's, haven't you, Chance. Yes, yes. I love Eve very much. And you really are a gardener, aren't you? I am a gardener, well, I'll go and tell Eve about Ben. I understand, I understand. (Kosinski, 1979)
The Main Character Throughline Act Order:
Main Character Signpost 1 as it relates to Memories:
Chance recalls he has lived in the Old Man's house since childhood;
"I have always been the gardener here. I have worked in the garden in back of the house all my life. As long as I can remember" (Kosinski, 1970, p.14).
Main Character Journey 1 from Memories to Impulsive Responses:
Main Character Signpost 2 as it relates to Impulsive Responses:
Try as he might to adapt his current situation to what he has seen on television, Chance's instinctive responses still come out;
"On television, Mr. President, you look much taller. I must warn you, that Chauncey's not a man to bandy words. Oh, really. Well, Mr. Gardiner I'm a man that appreciates discussing a frank discussion" (Kosinski, 1979).
Main Character Journey 2 from Impulsive Responses to Contemplation:
Main Character Signpost 3 as it relates to Contemplation:
Chance spends minimal time contemplating what others request of him: Chance agrees to appear on television; he agrees to escort Eve to a party, he agree to go upstairs with a stranger.
Main Character Journey 3 from Contemplation to Innermost Desires:
Main Character Signpost 4 as it relates to Innermost Desires:
Eve fulfills her sexual desires with Chance, making possible her emotional growth.
The Impact Character Throughline Act Order:
Impact Character Signpost 1 as it relates to The Present:
Dr. Allenby is installed in the Rand household as Ben's primary caregiver.
Impact Character Journey 1 from The Present to The Past:
Impact Character Signpost 2 as it relates to The Past:
Dr. Allenby searches Chance's possessions in hopes of finding out about his past.
Impact Character Journey 2 from The Past to How Things are Changing:
Impact Character Signpost 3 as it relates to How Things are Changing:
While Eve tearfully remarks on Chance's kind and sensitive nature to Dr. Allenby, he notes the house guest's odd behavior as Chance walks down the hall. His increasing awareness of Chance's quirks cause him concern as he observes the friendship between Chance and the Rands progressing.
Impact Character Journey 3 from How Things are Changing to The Future:
Impact Character Signpost 4 as it relates to The Future:
Ben's death thrusts Chance's future into the foreground; Dr. Allenby is concerned for Eve's future happiness; once he is satisfied that Chance loves her, he is content to let events proceed without his interference.
All Concerns:
Everyone is impacted by the stranger, Chance, a man who came out of no-where, yet seems to fulfill so many people's needs, all with simple analogies of life's problems with his memories of working in a garden. Dr. Allenby, in particular, delves into Chance's past to understand who the man is, and if he is as well-intentioned as he appears.
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