Split Thoughts on "Our Town"

Our Town is not considered a traditional play. Some of the reasons are the play's lack of complex characters, plot, suspense, and interesting detail. It also does not have an exciting conflict throughout the play. It only discusses the conflict in the last act and it is shown through Emily, who is trying to accept death and realize people "take life for granted". This makes the play less interesting and does not keep the audience waiting at the edge of their seats. Even though this play is not interesting people believe it does make you realize how important life is.

Many critics believe this is Wilder's best play because of the way it opens the audience's eyes to life and death, and how quickly one can end and another begin. He makes the theme easy for the audience to see and identify. Critics believe that he reveals the importance of everyday living and brings out the good aspects of life, in his play. Wilder makes little things important that some people might not miss at first. Overall he shows how life may seem promised, but its not. He also reveals that you can still come to peace after it is all over.

http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=30384

Literary Criticism of "Our Town"

Thorton Wilder's play, "Our Town", was favored by many people. It ran 336 performances in its first debut production. The play recieved the Pultizer Prize for drama, earning Wilder more recognition."Our Town" was recognized for its universal theme through its characters and events. Even though it was well liked, it was hard for many people to understand.

Some critics believe that it was hard to understand because of its lack of emotion and feelings, undeveloped characters, and did not challenge traditional values dealing with family, society, and religion. Critics sometimes ask if "Our Town" even relates to the modern day life. There are many different perspectives on this play because it goes past life and deals with regretting not enjoying every minute of life after it is all over.

http://www.enotes.com/drama-criticism/our-town-thornton-wilder

Our town

The book I will be presenting is Our Town by Thorton Wilder. The year it was published was 1938 and I will be presenting on Feb. 27.