1. Our Town By Thornton Wilder

2. Background Information Born 1897 An American novelist who wrote several plays Praised for his treatment of universal themes Won two Pulitzer Prizes (Our Town; Bridge of San Louis Rey)

3. Impact on Theatrical World Our Town is considered a classic; required text in many high schools. Wilder believed that TRUTH could only be discovered in the lives of ordinary people. Wilder used the “perpetual present tense.” Definition: All past, present, and future actions take place in the here and now on stage. Time is fluid.

4. Wilder experimented with the absence of scenery. Focus is on the internal rather than the external. Allows the setting to be more universal. Was unhappy with the movie version due to “excessive” scenery and costuming.

5. Important Themes Repetition of the song “Blessed be the Tie that Binds.” 1. Choir practice when George and Emily talk. 2. Wedding 3. Funeral

6. Themes, cont. The importance of everyday things. 1. Mrs. Wells smells flowers after choir practice. 2. Emily’s farewell speech in Act III. 3. Wilder states so directly in the play; asks audience to think back on their past.

7. Themes, cont. Universally appreciable themes 1. Note use of Our Town rather than Grover’s Corners (everyone’s town). 2. Families, people, memories 3. Marriage and love 4. Death

8. Themes, cont. Alienation Effect Background: Realism is where artists/writers attempt to capture the real world in their art. Alienation Effect is the opposite of Realism. Playwright presents his play as a play, not as a part of real life. Effect is used to get people to think about what they are seeing instead of being lost in the play.

9. Themes, cont. Examples of Alienation Effect in Our Town: Stage Manager interrupts the plot to comment on the action. The audience comments on what is happening. Dead people talk at the end of the play. Not a realistic setting; few props. Characters are “types,” not individuals; focus on ideas.