The Graduate
Act I
"Temptation" by Prince
This first act sets up the rest of the story. Ben is a recent college graduate kind of in limbo with his life. The inciting incident is when Mrs. Robinson first tries to seduce Ben and proposes the affair. At first he refuses but gives in to his temptation. I find that temptation is the theme of this act as he gives in to this temptation and sleeps with this married woman that he's known his whole life. This act can be seen as being deviant as well. Here Ben is, a college grad that his family has high expectations of, taking a racy risk. At first you see Ben resisting the urge but he gives in. This song represents this theme not only by the title but the lyrics. I also think this song is a great song to foreshadow the next act.
Act II
"Bound 2" by Kanye West
This act is about Ben falling for Mrs. Robinson's daughter Elaine. He is basically forced to date her by his parents and her father. He actually tries to sabotage the date but after humiliating her he apologizes the rest of their date is lovely. The theme of this act is young love and centers around Ben pursuing Elaine even though he had an affair with her mother. "Bound 2" highlights that Ben was bound to fall in love with Elaine.
Act III
"What's Happening?" by The Byrds
The final act is based on Ben trying to find Elaine and stop her wedding. He succeeds in doing this and together they run off together. The final scene shows the pair on the back of this bus, at first laughing and smiling but soon their smiles fade and replaced with a look of uncertainty. It seems as if they are questioning if what they did was really the right thing. Did they run off together because they are truly in love? Or are they just trying to rebel against their parents? This song highlights this because of the uneasiness of it. This song is perfect for the theme of uncertainty.
