Short Answer 
The themes of wealth, love, and societal pressures in ‘The Great Gatsby’ can be explored through various contemporary and classic songs, such as ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ and ‘Material Girl’. Analyzing each song reveals connections to the novel’s portrayal of loneliness, materialism, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Step 1: Identify Relevant Songs
To explore the themes of ‘The Great Gatsby‘, start by identifying songs that resonate with the book’s essence. Here are some examples:
- ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ by Green Day
- ‘Material Girl’ by Madonna
- ‘Money’ by Pink Floyd
- ‘Back to Black’ by Amy Winehouse
- ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry
- ‘A Little Party Never Killed Nobody’ by Fergie
- ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ by Bonnie Raitt
- ‘Champagne Problems’ by Taylor Swift
- ‘Mr. Brightside’ by The Killers
- ‘The Other Side’ by Bruno Mars
Step 2: Analyze Themes in Songs
Next, examine how each song relates to the underlying themes of the novel. This involves understanding:
- The loneliness Gatsby feels despite his wealth, as captured in ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’.
- Daisy’s materialism, represented by ‘Material Girl’.
- The obsession with wealth in society reflected in ‘Money’.
- The despair Gatsby experiences after losing Daisy, showcased in ‘Back to Black’.
Step 3: Connect Song Meanings to The Great Gatsby
Finally, draw connections between each song’s meaning and the novel’s portrayal of 1920s society. Consider how these songs illustrate:
- Gatsby’s unrequited love through ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’.
- The societal pressures on relationships in ‘Champagne Problems’.
- Gatsby’s feelings of jealousy captured in ‘Mr. Brightside’.
- His quest for the American Dream in ‘The Other Side’.