Please help me write an essay. the question is "What do you think the theme is of Our Town and how is it shown?"

These sites should help you.

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/ourtown/themes.html

http://plays.about.com/od/plays/a/ourtownlessons.htm

Certainly! Writing an essay about the theme of a literary work like "Our Town" can be an interesting and thought-provoking task. To begin writing your essay, you'll first need to understand the theme of the play. Here's how you can approach it:

1. Read and analyze the play: Start by reading or re-reading "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder. While reading, pay attention to recurring ideas and symbols, character motivations, and the overall message that the play conveys.

2. Identify potential themes: As you read, make a list of potential themes that you notice in the play. Themes are the underlying messages or central ideas that a literary work explores. For example, "Our Town" may touch upon themes like the fleeting nature of life, the importance of appreciating the present moment, the significance of human connection, or the inevitability of death.

3. Choose a theme: Select the theme that resonates with you the most or that you find most compelling. This will serve as the focus of your essay. Consider both the theme you choose and how it is depicted in the play, as you'll need to provide evidence and examples to support your analysis.

4. Collect evidence: This step involves going back to the play and finding specific scenes, dialogues, or events that illustrate or reinforce the chosen theme. Look for quotations, descriptions, or actions that convey the theme both implicitly and explicitly. Select the most powerful and relevant examples to support your interpretation.

5. Develop your thesis statement: Based on the theme you've selected and the evidence you've gathered, craft a clear and concise thesis statement. This statement should directly address the essay question and succinctly state your argument about the theme of "Our Town" and how it is conveyed in the play.

6. Organize your essay: Divide your essay into paragraphs, each covering a different aspect or supporting point related to your thesis statement. Use topic sentences to guide your reader through each paragraph, and ensure that your evidence and examples are properly integrated and analyzed.

7. Write the essay: Begin your essay with an engaging introduction that provides context and introduces the theme you will explore. In the body paragraphs, present your evidence and analysis, citing specific examples from the play. Finally, write a conclusion that summarizes your main points and highlights the significance of the theme in "Our Town."

Remember to revise and proofread your essay before submitting it. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to further refine your ideas and arguments. Good luck with your essay!