Write a book review about the play "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder
Book Review Format
A: Introduction: One paragraph to include: Title (capitalized), author, publisher & date, # of pages, genre. A one sentence summary that includes the main idea.
B: Summary: One or two paragraphs that tell the story (include parts of the plot for fiction) or (order of events or basic outline for non-fiction).
C: Analysis: One paragraph showing what you noticed about the writing (not the story). It may be a particular writing style, use of literary elements, or something that influenced the writer. (This you may research, but write in your own words.)
D: Response: One paragraph telling your conclusion, how the book affected you. If you liked it, explain why. If you made a particular connection, explain.
A: Introduction: "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder, published by Harper Perennial Modern Classics in 2003, is a timeless play that delves into the themes of love, life, and mortality. With a total of 181 pages, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play falls under the genre of drama.
B: Summary: "Our Town" is set in the fictional small town of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, and follows the lives of its residents over the course of twelve years. The play is structured into three acts: Daily Life, Love and Marriage, and Death and Dying. It portrays the ordinary lives of the residents, highlighting simple moments and universal experiences. The main characters are George Gibbs and Emily Webb, who develop a deep love and eventually get married. However, tragedy strikes when Emily dies during childbirth. In the third act, Emily is given the opportunity to revisit a day from her past, but she realizes the importance of appreciating the present and ultimately chooses to return to the world of the dead.
C: Analysis: One notable aspect of Wilder's writing in "Our Town" is his use of a minimalist set and stage direction. The play intentionally lacks detailed descriptions of the physical surroundings, placing more emphasis on the characters and their interactions. Wilder also breaks the fourth wall, with the character of the Stage Manager directly addressing the audience and narrating the story. This unique narrative technique gives the play a metatheatrical quality and prompts the audience to reflect on their own lives and the human condition.
D: Response: "Our Town" is a thought-provoking play that explores the significance and beauty of everyday life. Wilder's writing vividly captures the essence of small-town life and the universal experiences that connect us all. The play made me reflect on the preciousness of the present moment and reminded me to appreciate the simple joys in life. I particularly resonated with the themes of love and mortality, as they are fundamental aspects of the human experience. Overall, "Our Town" is a moving and poignant play that leaves a lasting impact on its readers.
A: "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder is a renowned play published by Harper Perennial Modern Classics in 2003. The play consists of 181 pages and falls under the genre of drama. The main idea of "Our Town" revolves around the exploration of life, love, and death in a small American town at the turn of the 20th century.
B: Set in the fictional town of Grover's Corners, "Our Town" follows the lives and experiences of its residents. The play is divided into three acts: "Daily Life," "Love and Marriage," and "Death and Eternity." Act one introduces the audience to the daily routines and interactions of the townspeople. Act two focuses on the courtship and wedding of Emily Webb and George Gibbs, showcasing the joys and challenges of love and marriage. In act three, after Emily's untimely death during childbirth, she finds herself in the afterlife and observes the living as they go about their lives, realizing the importance of cherishing every moment.
C: Thornton Wilder exhibits a unique writing style in "Our Town" by utilizing a technique called "metatheatricality." This technique involves breaking the fourth wall and directly addressing the audience, reminding them that they are watching a play and encouraging them to reflect on the themes presented. Additionally, Wilder employs minimalistic staging and sparse props, emphasizing the power of imagination and the universal nature of the story being told.
D: "Our Town" left a profound impact on me. The play's poignant exploration of the cyclical nature of life and the struggle to appreciate the present moment resonated deeply. Wilder's masterful use of metatheatrical techniques heightened my connection to the characters and made me reflect on the preciousness of life. It made me realize the significance of cherishing the mundane moments that often go unnoticed, as they are what ultimately shape our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed "Our Town" and highly recommend it for its thought-provoking themes and unique storytelling approach.