Our Town Analysis

816 Words4 Pages
What is more precious, eating a meal with family or going to an amusement park, attending a small group gathering or attending a wedding? In the play Our Town by Thornton Wilder, the Stage Manager talks about everyday matters and major events that happen in the small town of Grover’s Corners. The Stage Manager asserts that everyday life is more valuable than the major events that everyone remembers or the ones that have tangible evidence. Day-to-day matters are more valuable than the notable times in life because they uncover character and reveal the little things in life that are the most valuable; though some may claim that the major times in life are more valuable because they are the ones remembered and the ones having the most impact,…show more content…
“...they’ve put in a copy of the New York Times...So I’m going to have a copy of this play put in the cornerstone and the people a thousand years from now’ll know a few simple facts about us…” (Act I, 33). The Stage Manager wishes to place a copy of Our Town in the cornerstone as a reminder of the daily events in Grover’s Corners. The copy, which tells about various daily occurrences, is more noteworthy than a copy of the New York Times as it reveals the personality of the characters in the play. The text declares, “‘You know the rule’s well as I do--no books at table. As for me [Mrs. Webb], I’d rather have my children healthy than bright.’ ‘I’m [Emily] both, Mama: you know I am. I’m the brightest girl in school for my age. I have a wonderful memory’” (Act I, 15). While eating breakfast it is revealed that Mrs. Webb places health over education and that she follows rules; Emily is a bit arrogant though she is very smart. During this everyday interaction, the character traits of Mrs. Webb and Emily are exhibited proving that the everyday experiences in life show more than the major incidents. In conclusion, these commonplace events show important attributes of many…show more content…
“‘Now, Frank, don’t be grouchy. Come out and smell the heliotrope in the moonlight.’ They stroll out arm in arm along the footlight” (Act I, 41). Mrs. Gibbs and Dr. Gibbs take a walk and discuss many things, something that is an everyday occurrence. This little gesture of strolling together and smelling the flowers add up with the other little things to equal the major events. In another instance, the daughter of two divorced parents would prefer spending time getting to know her mother better than going to an extravagant theme park with her father. This proves that she values the more insignificant things in life over the day-to-day matters; every moment spent doing the little things are what make life truly valuable and beautiful. The time she spends with her mother is just as important, if not more important, than the time spent with her father doing something substantial. To sum up, daily circumstances are built up to become more prominent than the major
Open Document