Lecture Notes on "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder

Overview

• Title: Our Town
• Author: Thornton Wilder
• Setting: Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, across the Massachusetts line
• Coordinates: Latitude 42°40', Longitude 70°37'
• Timeframe: Starts on May 7, 1901
• Structure: The play consists of three acts: Daily Life, Love and Marriage, and Life and Death.

Act I: Daily Life

• Time: Just before dawn on May 7, 1901
• Main Locations:
  • Main Street, Railway Station
  • Various churches (Congregational, Presbyterian, Methodist, Unitarian, Baptist, Catholic)
  • Town Hall and Post Office
  • Grocery Store, Dr. Gibbs' House, Mrs. Gibbs’ Garden
  • Editor Webb's House, Mrs. Webb’s Garden
• Significant Events:
  • Introduction of characters and the town
  • Doc Gibbs returning from a birth case
  • Joe Crowell Jr.’s paper delivery
  • Howie Newsome delivering milk
• Historical Context: References to William Jennings Bryan and future technological changes, such as the first automobile.

Act II: Love and Marriage

• Timeframe: Three years later, July 7, 1904
• Themes: Transition into adulthood, love, and the institution of marriage.
• Significant Characters and Events:
  • George and Emily: Key relationship explored, leading to their wedding.
  • Discussion about the significance and perception of marriage.
  • Professor Willard's Presentation: Provides historical and geological context of Grover's Corners.
  • Sociopolitical Landscape: Insights into the town’s political, social, and economic dynamics through conversations with Mr. Webb.

Act III: Life and Death

• Timeframe: 1913, nine years after Act II
• Setting: Cemetery on a hilltop
• Significant Themes:
  • Exploration of life, death, and the eternal aspects of human existence.
  • Emily’s death during childbirth and her reflections from beyond.
  • Interaction with other deceased characters who reflect on their lives.
• Philosophical Insights:
  • The preciousness of life and the human tendency to overlook daily beauty and experiences.
  • The eternal aspect of human beings as contrasted with transient earthly concerns.

Key Dialogue and Monologues

• Mr. Webb’s Political and Social Report: Provides a detailed account of Grover's Corners.
• George and Emily’s Conversations: Develop the central relationship and highlight youth's perspective.
• Emily’s Monologue in Act III: Reflects on the beauty of life and the regret of not appreciating it fully.
• Stage Manager's Role: Provides commentary and transitions, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life.

Themes and Motifs

• Time and Memory: The passage of time and how memories shape perceptions of life.
• Community and Daily Life: The importance of community and routine in shaping individual lives.
• Universality of Human Experience: The play highlights common human experiences across time and space.

Conclusion

• Significance: "Our Town" serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty in ordinary life and the importance of cherishing each moment.
• Final Act Reflection: Emphasizes the theme of life’s transience and the eternal soul, encouraging the audience to appreciate the present.