Reread the Stage Manager's comments on page 87 from "Now there are some things . . ." through the stage directions on page 88, "He looks at the audience a minute . . ." Note what he says about "eternal." Compare I Cor 15:51-54:
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
How do the Stage Manager's (and thus Wilder's) thoughts agree or disagree with the Bible passage?
In the Stage Manager's comments on page 87 through the stage directions on page 88, he remarks about the concept of eternity. He says, "Now there are some things we all know, but we don't take'm out and look at'm very often. We all know that something is eternal. And it ain't houses and it ain't names, and it ain't earth, and it ain't even the stars—everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings."
The Stage Manager suggests that there is something eternal that is related to human beings, but it is not tangible things like houses, names, or even the stars. This sentiment is in line with the Bible passage from I Corinthians 15:51-54. In the passage, it is mentioned that humans shall be changed and put on incorruption and immortality. It implies that there is something beyond the earthly realm that is eternal and everlasting, which aligns with the Stage Manager's belief.
The Stage Manager's thoughts and Wilder's ideas thus agree with the Bible passage as they both acknowledge the concept of eternity and the transcendence of human beings. They emphasize the existence of something beyond the physical world, something eternal and everlasting.
To analyze the comparison between the Stage Manager's thoughts and the Bible passage (I Cor 15:51-54), let's first examine the relevant sections. In the play "Our Town," the Stage Manager's comments refer to the concept of eternity and how humans perceive time. On page 87, the Stage Manager states, "Now there are some things we all know, but we don't take'm out and look at'm very often... Eternity!...That's what we're all part of in this town. We're all always a big part of everything that ever happened or will happen." On page 88, the Stage Manager adds stage directions that say, "He looks at the audience a minute," indicating a pause for reflection.
In the Bible passage, I Cor 15:51-54, the apostle Paul discusses the concept of transformation and immortality. He speaks of a mystery, stating that not all will experience physical death but will be changed when the last trumpet sounds. The dead will be raised incorruptible, and the living will also undergo a transformation, putting on immortality. Paul concludes that when this transformation occurs, the saying "Death is swallowed up in victory" will be fulfilled.
In terms of agreement or disagreement, there are some similarities and differences between the Stage Manager's thoughts and the Bible passage. Both touch upon the themes of eternity, transformation, and the triumph over death. However, their perspectives differ in some key aspects.
The Stage Manager's comments focus on the interconnectedness of individuals within a town and their eternal presence. He suggests that individuals are an integral part of past and future events and highlights the significance of recognizing the eternal nature of existence.
On the other hand, I Cor 15:51-54 primarily discusses the transformation of individuals at the end times, emphasizing the victory over death through the resurrection and the attainment of immortality. The passage reflects the Christian belief in the transcendence of physical death and the eternal life in Christ.
While the Stage Manager's perspective hints at the concept of eternity and the interconnectedness of human experiences, it does not directly address the theological or spiritual aspects portrayed in the Bible passage. The Stage Manager's thoughts are more rooted in a secular understanding of eternity, highlighting the significance of human existence within the temporal realm of a town, while Paul's passage delves into the divine promise of resurrection and eternal life.
In summary, the Stage Manager's musings on eternity, as portrayed in "Our Town," share some conceptual similarities with the Bible passage (I Cor 15:51-54) but differ in their theological implications. The Stage Manager focuses on the eternal presence of individuals within a town's narrative, while Paul's passage emphasizes the transformative and immortal nature of believers through the resurrection.
To compare the Stage Manager's comments in "Our Town" with the Bible passage from I Corinthians 15:51-54, you will need to reread the Stage Manager's comments on page 87 through the stage directions on page 88. The specific section to focus on is where the Stage Manager talks about the concept of "eternal."
Once you have located the relevant passage, you should analyze what the Stage Manager says about "eternal" and compare it to the message conveyed in I Corinthians 15:51-54. The Stage Manager's thoughts and Wilder's intentions are reflected in the play, so understanding them will help you consider their agreement or disagreement with the Bible passage.
To perform a thorough analysis, follow these steps:
1. Reread the Stage Manager's comments: Begin by rereading the Stage Manager's comments on page 87 starting from "Now there are some things . . ." and continue through the stage directions on page 88, specifically paying attention to the part that mentions "eternal." Take note of the context and the meaning conveyed.
2. Read I Corinthians 15:51-54: After familiarizing yourself with the Stage Manager's comments, read the Bible passage from I Corinthians 15:51-54. Reflect on the ideas presented, focusing on the themes of change, corruption, immortality, and victory over death.
3. Compare the ideas and themes: With both the Stage Manager's comments and the Bible passage fresh in your mind, compare the ideas and themes presented in both. Look for similarities or differences in how they discuss concepts like change, corruptibility, immortality, and the triumph over death. Consider the tone, perspective, and main messages conveyed by each.
4. Analyze agreement or disagreement: Based on your comparison, analyze whether the Stage Manager's thoughts, as conveyed through his comments and Wilder's intentions in the play, align or clash with the Bible passage. Look for echoes of the Biblical message in the play or any elements that may deviate from it. Pay attention to the underlying philosophies or perspectives presented in both the play and the Bible passages.
By closely examining the Stage Manager's comments and comparing them with the Bible passage, you can determine the agreement or disagreement between the two regarding the concept of "eternal" and related themes. Remember to consider the broader context and implications to form a well-rounded analysis.