Breakfast Club: Bender Analysis

The character John Bender in the Breakfast Club is one of the five representational teenagers of stereotypical cliques. He is depicted as the criminal, and reveals a past that correlates to that of many who maintain similar lifestyles and recreational choices that Bender exhibits. As displayed by many teenagers, behavioral habits typically correspond with the conditions in which they live. This common assumption is further accredited upon disclosure of Bender’s home life. The parenting style that Bender receives is likely uninvolved, and Bender can be expected to express an insecure attachment towards his parents. This attachment style commonly occurs in those who have parents that they cannot feel safe around. Bender receives much abuse and danger from his father, which can cause a child to fear their parents. This attachment style is very commonly associated with households that contain abuse and neglect of a child. These absurd treatments are confirmed when Bender reenacts a typical day within his home to prove a point to Andrew. Upon Andrew’s skepticism, he reveals his cigar burn from his father, a punishment for a relatively inconsequential mistake. The difficulties he faces during his adolescence can greatly affect his developmental styles, as well as every day actions. Because of the loveless and abusive treatment he receives from his parents and peers, it can be presumed that this is the foundation of many of his attributes. Bender displays rebellion, especially to authoritative figures like his father. He refuses to do what he is told, and proves this repetitively. He closes the door to the library when he was specifically meant to keep it open. He convinces the group to go to his locker, when they’re unaware of what he is even planning to obtain. When locked in the closet by the principal for his previous indiscretions, he climbs through the ceiling panels and back into the library. He also shows many signs of depression, likely originating from his