See more
What is the main message of Our Town?
Our Town is a play that shares the idea that we live life without really appreciating what it has to offer. Once we die, and are able to see what we had, it is really too late. Major themes of the play include mortality, appreciating life, companionship and marriage, love, and the circle of life.
What does Emily realize in Our Town?
She realizes that the living “don't understand” the importance of human existence. After reliving her twelfth birthday, Emily sees that human beings fail to recognize the transience of life and to appreciate it while it lasts.
What is Our Town about book?
Book details It is the simple story of a love affair that asks timeless questions about the meaning of love, life, and death. Our Town explores the relationship between two young neighbors, George Gibbs and Emily Webb, whose childhood friendship blossoms into romance, and then culminates in marriage.
What does Our Town represent?
"Our Town" represents Americana; the small-town life of the early 1900s, it is a world most of us have never experienced. The fictional village of Grover's Corners contains quaint activities of yesteryear: A doctor walking through town, making house calls. A milkman, traveling alongside his horse, happy in his work.
What is the cause of Emily's death in Our Town?
Sam asks Joe how Emily died, and Joe replies that she passed away in childbirth. A funeral party enters with a casket. Among the mourners are George, Dr. Gibbs, and the Webbs.
What lesson can be learned from Our Town?
Our Town closes with its most important and most universal moral, death; more specifically, the lack of appreciation most people have for life before death. Or, as Mrs. Gibbs puts it, “no dear. They don't understand”.
What is the main conflict in Our Town?
major conflict Humans constantly struggle to realize that the eternal exists even within ordinary events. climax After dying in childbirth and joining the dead souls in the cemetery, Emily returns to relive a day from her earthly life, which makes her realize how little the living appreciate the value of life.
Who is the town drunk in Our Town?
Simon StimsonSimon, the town drunk and choir director, is the sore thumb that sticks out in Our Town's perfect tableau of small town life. His drinking problem is by far the most serious problem we see in Grover's Corners, yet none of the townspeople makes an effort to reach out to him.
How old was Emily when she died in Our Town?
Wistfully, Emily, who is only twenty-six at the time of her death, realizes that she is out of place in the familiar scene.
What do the three acts in Our Town represent?
Morning scenes are prominent in each of the play's three acts: Act I depicts the ordinary morning activities of the townspeople, Act II portrays the Gibbs and Webb families on the morning of Emily and George's wedding, and Act III includes Emily's return to the morning of her twelfth birthday.
What happens at the end of Our Town?
She becomes agonized by the beauty and transience of everyday life and demands to be taken back to the cemetery. As Emily settles in among the dead souls, George lays prostrate by her tomb. “They don't understand,” she says of the living. The stars come out over Grover's Corners, and the play ends.
Why is Our Town so popular?
According to theater historian David Richman at the University of New Hampshire, the lasting popularity of "Our Town" " a summertime favorite among New England theatre groups " can be attributed to Wilder's use of minimal scenery and props, the appeal of its ensemble cast and because it deals, at least in part, with ...
Do human beings ever realize life while they live it?
“Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it — every minute?” “No — saints and poets, maybe — they do some,” the stage manager says. “That's all human beings are — just blind people,” Emily says.
What happens at the end of our town?
George decides not to go to college, as he had planned, but to work and eventually take over his uncle's farm. In the present, George and Emily say that they are not ready to marry—George to his mother, Emily to her father—but they both calm down and happily go through with the wedding.
Why is Emily unhappy when she tries to relive part of her life after she dies?
Emily asks if she can go back and relive her life. Mrs. Gibbs says she can, but advises her not to. The stage manager tells her that it is painful because if she relives her life, she will watch herself living it, knowing the future and all that will happen to everyone.
What is a famous quote from our town?
“We all know that something is eternal. And it ain't houses and it ain't names, and it ain't earth, and it ain't even the stars . . . everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings.”
Where is the town of Grover's Corners?
This timeless drama of life in the mythical village of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, has become an American classic with universal appeal. Thornton Wilder’s most frequently performed play, Our Town appeared on Broadway in 1938 to wide acclaim, and won the Pulitzer Prize.
Why is the story of a love affair constantly rediscovered?
The simple story of a love affair is constantly rediscovered because it asks timeless questions about the meaning of love, life and death.
What is the play Our Town about?
Thornton Wilder's 'Our Town' is a three-act play about the everyday lives of the citizens of Grover's Corner. Meet Thornton Wilder, explore a summary of the play, and analyze its characters, themes, and plot. Updated: 10/12/2021
What is the theme of Our Town?
Major themes of the play include mortality, appreciating life, companionship and marriage, love, and the circle of life.
What is the theme of the book "People are meant to go through life by two"?
There is a theme of companionship and marriage. We see the relationships of the parents and then the relationships between George and Emily evolve. Love is a large part of the life of all the characters. There is the love between the parents and their children, the love that develops between George and Emily. Wilder writes, 'People are meant to go through life by two.'
What is the first act of Grover's Corners?
The first act of the play shows the daily life of Grover's Corners. We are introduced to two families: the Gibbs family and the Webb family. The Stage Manager comments to the audience about the actions of the first act, which include a newsboy delivering papers, milk being delivered, Doc Gibbs leaving for work, and the Webb family eating breakfast. When the children leave for school, Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Gibbs meet to talk for a while. In the second part of the first act, we see the children, George Gibbs and Emily Webb, interact with each other. George compliments Emily on a speech she made at school and Emily watches him play ball.
What is the love between George and Emily?
There is the love between the parents and their children, the love that develops between George and Emily. Wilder writes, 'People are meant to go through life by two.'. Finally, there is the suggestion of the circle of life. We see this with the daily life that changes throughout the play.
What is the idea of death in the play?
The idea of death is very strong in the play. From the beginning, the Stage Manager introduces each character, as well as the date of his or her death. In addition to death, we also see a strong connection to life. We see the play start in the morning (the beginning of life) and end at night (the end of life).
What does "our town" mean?
Our Town represents anyone's town. The daily events and families could be a part of any town. We see in the opening scene that the families in the play are normal, everyday families to which we can relate. It becomes easy to picture our own towns and our own families.
What are the townspeople including in our town?
The townspeople are including copies of the New York Times and Grover’s Corners Sentinel, as well as of the Bible, the U.S. Constitution, and the works of Shakespeare. The stage manager decides to include a copy of Our Town, as well. Get the entire Our Town LitChart as a printable PDF.
What is the name of the play in Act 1?
He tells them that they are about to see a play called “Our Town” about the town of Grover’s Corners.
Who delivers milk in Act 2?
Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb make breakfast in their respective kitchens, and Howie Newsome delivers milk, as before. Joe Cromwell’s younger brother Si now delivers the town newspaper.
What is the nervousness of Emily and George?
Both Emily and George are nervous about the wedding and panic at the last minute, both anxious about leaving behind their childhoods and growing up. The two realize their love for each other, though, and are happily married by the stage manager, who then announces that the second act is over.
Summary
Read our full plot summary and analysis of Our Town, scene by scene break-downs, and more.
Characters
See a complete list of the characters in Our Town and in-depth analyses of Stage Manager, Emily Webb, and George Gibbs.
Literary Devices
Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in Our Town, from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more.
Quotes
Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of the book by reading these key quotes.
Quick Quizzes
Test your knowledge of Our Town with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes, symbols, and more.
Essays
Get ready to ace your Our Town paper with our suggested essay topics, helpful essays about historical and literary context, a sample A+ student essay, and more.
Further Study
Go further in your study of Our Town with background information, movie adaptations, and links to the best resources around the web.
How long has Thornton Wilder's Our Town been around?
For 80 years, Thornton Wilder's Our Town has awed audiences. The American playwright's delicate tale of small town American families at the turn of the 20th century is alive with humanity and poetry. Yet, there was a time when its content felt downright revolutionary.
Where is Wilder's fictional town?
THIS FICTIONAL TOWN IS BASED ON A REAL PLACE. Wilder spent his summers in Peterborough, New Hampshire, and he aimed to capture its simple charms in his characterization of the fictional Grover's Corners. Years later, Peterborough would return the compliment.
What did Wilder feel before writing Our Town?
He feared the opulent costumes and spectacular sets of Broadway did a disservice to the written word. "I felt that something had gone wrong," he wrote . "Finally my dissatisfaction passed into resentment. I began to feel that the theatre was not only inadequate, it was evasive; it didn't not wish to draw upon its deeper potentialities."
Why was Our Town canceled?
The play was canceled "on the grounds that the drama is too depressing and could inspire a German suicide wave, " the magazine stated. Wilder's sister Isabel later offered an alternate explanation. " [ Our Town] was the first foreign play to be done in Berlin shortly after the occupation.
Where is Our Town set?
OUR TOWN IS A SIMPLE STORY ABOUT EVERYDAY AMERICANS. Set in the humble hamlet of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, the play follows the relationship of young lovers Emily Webb and George Gibbs, who meet, marry, and separate over the course of 1901 to 1913.
Who wrote the book Conversations with Thornton Wilder?
In his 1992 book Conversations with Thornton Wilder, English professor Jackson R. Bryer wrote, "Wilder presents ordinary people who make the human race seem worth preserving and represent the universality of human existence.". 3. THIS FICTIONAL TOWN IS BASED ON A REAL PLACE.
Who wrote "Our Town is one of the finest achievements of the current stage"?
The New York Times theatre critic Brooks Atkinson was more effusive in his praise. " Our Town is, in this column's opinion, one of the finest achievements of the current stage," he wrote. Our Town 's success transformed Wilder from a lauded writer to a critical darling.
What is the story of our town?
Our Town is a 1938 metatheatrical, three-act play by American playwright Thornton Wilder. Telling the story of Grover’s Corners, a fictional small town, it takes place between 1901 and 1913, tracking the lives of a group of ordinary, small-town Americans as they go about their daily routines. In the metatheatrical tradition, Our Town breaks ...
Who is Thornton Wilder?
Thornton Wilder is an American playwright and novelist, and a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner for Our Town; The Skin of Our Teeth; and his novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey. Coming from humble means and serving in both World War I and World War II, he is considered one of the pioneers of modernist writing and minimalist theater. His works often focused on political themes, with Wilder being a staunch anti-fascist who warned against the spread of such ideas from Europe. He wrote dozens of plays and seven novels over his lifetime, although he is most widely known for his three Pulitzer-winners, as well as his film collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock, Shadow of a Doubt.
Who is the doctor in the town of Willard?
Professor Willard, a long-winded local lecturer, speaks to the audience about the town’s long history. The town’s doctor, Frank “Doc” Gibbs, gets the newspaper from paperboy Joe Crowell, while milkman Howie Newsome makes his daily deliveries.
Who are the main characters in Grover's Corners?
The two main characters, Emily Webb and George Gibbs, are introduced in their respective homes as they start the day, interact with their families, and head off to school. The stage manager emphasizes that this is a beautifully simple morning, and the residents of Grover’s Corners don’t have a care in the world.
What is the first act of the movie "Daily Life"?
The first act, titled “Daily Life ,” begins with the stage manager introducing the audience to the small town Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. As the people begin their day, the manager introduces the residents. Professor Willard, a long-winded local lecturer, speaks to the audience about the town’s long history.
When was Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" made?
Since its debut in 1938 , Thornton Wilder’s " Our Town " has been embraced as an American classic on the stage. The play is simple enough to be studied by middle school students, yet rich enough in meaning to warrant continual productions on Broadway and in community theaters throughout the nation.
What does Thornton Wilder say about Emily Webb?
During Act Three, when Emily Webb is laid to rest, Thornton Wilder reminds us that our life is impermanent . The Stage Manager says that there is “something eternal,” and that something is related to human beings. However, even in death, the characters change as their spirits slowly let go of their memories and identities.
What Is the Reason for "Our Town's" Longevity?
"Our Town " represents Americana; the small-town life of the early 1900s , it is a world most of us have never experienced. The fictional village of Grover’s Corners contains quaint activities of yesteryear:
What is Act 2 about?
Act Two is dominated by talk of weddings, relationships, and the perplexing institution of marriage. Thornton Wilder takes some good-natured jibes at the monotony of most marriages. Stage Manager: (To audience) I’ve married two hundred couples in my day.
Why doesn't George Webb want to go through with the wedding?
He believes that marriage means that his youth will be lost. For a moment, he doesn’t want to go through with the wedding because he doesn’t want to grow old. His bride to be, Emily Webb, has even worse wedding jitters.
How many lessons does Our Town teach?
Yet, as nostalgic as " Our Town " appears, the play also delivers four powerful life lessons, relevant to any generation.
What happens at the beginning of each act in Grover's Corner?
At the beginning of each act, the stage manager reveals the subtle changes that take place over time. The population of Grover’s Corner grows. Cars become commonplace; horses are used less and less. The adolescent characters in Act One are married during Act Two.
What is the play Our Town about?
Written by Thorton Wilder, Our Town is a play that explores the lives of people living in a small, quintessentially American town. It was first produced in 1938 and received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play is divided into three aspects of the human experience: Act One: Daily Life. Act Two: Love / Marriage. Act Three: Death / Loss.
What does Emily sense about the world of the living?
Emily senses that one can return to the world of the living, that one can revisit and re-experience the past. With the help of the Stage Manager, and against the advice of Mrs. Gibbs, Emily returns to her 12th birthday. However, everything is too beautiful, too emotionally intense.
What do Emily Webb and George Gibbs talk about?
Emily Webb and George Gibbs sit at their windows (according to the stage directions, they are perched on ladders). They talk about algebra and the moonlight. Their words are mundane, perhaps, but their fondness for each other is obvious.
What is the letter that Rebecca tells her brother about?
Rebecca tells her brother a funny story about a letter Jane Crofut received from a minister. It was addressed: Jane Crofut; The Crofut Farm; Grover’s Corners; Sutton County; New Hampshire; United States of America; North America; Western Hemisphere; the Earth; the Solar System; the Universe; the Mind of God.
Where is Grover's Corners?
The Stage Manager, serving as the play’s narrator, introduces the audience to Grover’s Corners, a small town in New Hampshire. The year is 1901. In the early morning, only a few folks are about. The paperboy delivers papers. The milkman strolls by. Dr. Gibbs has just returned from delivering twins.
Where does the final act take place?
The final act takes place in a cemetery in 1913. It is set upon a hill overlooking Grover’s Corner. About a dozen people sit in several rows of chairs. They have patient and somber faces. The Stage Manager tells us that these are the dead citizens of the town.
Who is Wade Bradford?
Wade Bradford, M.A., is an award-winning playwright and theater director. He wrote and directed seven productions for Yorba Linda Civic Light Opera's youth theater. Written by Thorton Wilder, Our Town is a play that explores the lives of people living in a small, quintessentially American town.
