Short Story Blog: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Plot:
The plot structure of this story is very unique for short stories. It is split up into chapters. I saw each chapter as representing a different part of Benjamin's life. The structure and order of his life is obviously very odd seeing as it is backwards. For this reason, it seemed interesting to me that the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, chose to write the story in such a structured form. I came to the conclusion that he did this to contrast the chaos of Benjamin's life and also to keep the reader strait on the events of his life. The idea of the story is confusing so the organized structure made it an easier read.
Point of View:
I found it interesting that the author chose to write this story from an omniscient third person point of view. I first felt as though it would have been more interesting to see the story from the point of view of a towns person, maybe someone close in age to Benjamin. However, I think the author made a smart choice. This way, the narrator could show all sides of the story. He could show the family members' thoughts as well as Benjamin's. Also, a towns person would not work because at times in the story, Benjamin's true identity was kept a secret.
Characterization:
I found the author's method of characterization the most interesting element of the story. It seemed logical to me that the author would focus in on Benjamin's mother at some point. However, she is barely ever mentioned, if at all. I was interested in how exactly she gave birth to a full grown man (this issue may have been the reason that the author didn't focus on her). At first I thought she might be dead, but on page 21 the author states that "Mr. and Mrs. Roger Button were not pleased" with the fact that people were saying their son resembled his grandfather. That is really the only mention of her I could find after Benjamin's birth. I was also surprised that his wife did not get more attention. She is only in a short portion of the story. I believe both of these individuals were paid the least attention to because they were women. I'm not saying that the author was sexist, it was simply a way of developing Benjamin as a character. Fitzgerald instead focused on the men in Benjamin's life. He did this in order to compare him to these men. Benjamin is compared to his Grandfather, father, and son primarily when his physical age matches them. All of them reject him in some way or another. Fitzgerald uses this to show Benjamin's complete aloneness among his peers.
Setting:
The time period this takes place in is very important. This is primarily because of the wars that take place during Benjamin's life. War is a big part of who he is. He was finally admired and respected when he was a leader in the army. But in the last few years of his life, even the army rejects him. It is also important to note that a good portion of the story takes place in his home or the home of his son. His abnormality is hidden away from the world for a good chunk of the story. He is only allowed out in society if he agrees to blend in with his environment.
Theme:
I had a lot of trouble coming up with a theme for this story. I eventually decided on a theme of aloneness. In a way I think this story is similar to "Metamorphasis". In both stories, the main character is physically embarrassing or burdensome to be around and so their family rejects them. Benjamin never has a lasting friendship. His wife might come close, but he tires of her and 'outgrows' her (in a backwards kind of confusing way). He is never accepted and he never finds his place. He never quite belongs.