"Our Town"

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes Thornton Wilder's play, "Our Town." The paper describes the plot and characters of the play and focuses on the themes that Wilder presents through the play. It suggests that "Our Town" is emblematic of turn-of-the-century America and that Wilder's play includes subtle references to modernization, industrialization and globalization.

From the Paper:

"Our Town is emblematic of turn-of-the-century America. Thornton Wilder's play includes subtle references to modernization. In keeping with the suggestion that small town values include insularity and resistance to change, Wilder does not make any overt references to industrialization or urbanization. Instead the insight into every day life in Grover's Corners lends insight into how America was changing at that crucial period in world history. Although gender values and social roles were generally unchanged, persons of Emily's and George's generation were on the brink of a major turning point at which the world's balance of power would indelibly change. The coming World Wars would alter the geo-political landscape in Europe and propel America onto the world's stage in a role that the nation had never served before. Wilder hints at the dramatic future of America through his time capsule and also through his use of the Stage Manager, who directly addresses the audience in a dramatically ironic manner."

More papers on "Our Town":

• Comparison Essay # 120146 : "Our Town" and "Steel Magnolias"
• Analytical Essay # 53399 : "Our Town"
• Analytical Essay # 1231 : "An Analysis of Thornton Wilder's Play "Our Town"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: