Our Town

The passage of time brings countless changes, yet things seem to remain the same. How does Our Town exhibit the cycle of life, love, and death that continues throughout human history?

What does the Stage Manager mean when he says, “There’s something way down deep that’s eternal about every human being” (88), and why is this statement significant to the play?

What is the fundamental flaw in humans demonstrated by this play, and how is it demonstrated?

How is stage lighting used to convey mood, emotion, and context throughout Our Town?

What is the significance of placing a copy of the play inside the cornerstone of the new bank (time capsule), and why does the Stage Manager feel that this glimpse into everyday life is worth documenting?

The cyclical nature of birth, life, love, and death is portrayed directly and indirectly throughout the play. Examine these portrayals and how they contribute to this underlying theme of Our Town.

Why is Emily so eager to revisit her life, and why do the dead warn her against it? What does she learn from her experience?

What is the stylistic impact of using minimal or no props, and what were the underlying statements behind Wilder’s choice?