Our Town Study Guide



Our Town Study Guide

Questions

1. The play is structured in three acts: The Daily Life (I), Love and Marriage (II), and Death (III). Contrast these three acts.

2. The Gibbs and Webb families are so similar, why did Wilder choose to portray both instead of simply following one?

3. The drama of Our Town focuses on characters rather than action. What is the result of this?

4. How does the Stage Manager further the connection between play and audience?

5. Identify the rising action of the play.

6. Explain the purpose of Professor Willard’s and Mr. Webb’s direct addresses to the audience.

7. What is Emily’s revelation after revisiting her twelfth birthday?

8. The characters of Howie Newsome and the Crowell Boys are static. Are they in any way symbolic? Explain.

9. How does George’s behavior in the cemetery exemplify Wilder’s belief that human beings do not appreciate life while living it?

10. Why does the Stage Manager want to put a copy of Our Town into the time capsule?

11. What three aspects of the play embody the theme of the sanctity of human interactions?

12. How does Simon Stimson’s earthly situation criticize Mrs. Gibbs’ small town idealism as represented in the quote: [P]eople are meant to go through life two by two. 'Tain't natural to be lonesome.

13. Describe each theme and give an example of how each is exemplified somewhere in the play.

the transience of human life-

the importance of companionship

the artificiality of the theatre-

14. Describe each motif and give an example of how each is exemplified at one point in the play.

the stages of life-

natural cycles-

morning

the manipulation of time-

15. What does the time capsule symbolize?

16. Identify the climax of the play. Is there more than one?

17. Describe the structure of the play.

18. Who is the protagonist of the story? Is there more than one? Why?

19. Is there an antagonist? More than one? If yes, how do they oppose the protagonist?

20. What is symbolic about the fact that Emily is buried with Mrs. Gibbs and Simon Stimson?

21. According to the stage directions, the set is to be very simple, with the actors often pantomiming actions with invisible props. What effect does this aspect bring to the presentation of the play?

22. Identify the dénouement of the play. Does it happen quickly or gradually?

23. Within seconds of their entrances, the Stage Manager tells the audience the outcomes of the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs. In what way does this enhance the importance of these characters’ lives throughout Acts I, II, and III? Does it enhance the importance?

24. It is revealed at the end of the play that Mrs. Gibbs left Emily and George a legacy of “over three hundred and fifty dollars.” Where did this legacy come from?

25. What does the above revelation tell the reader in regards to Mrs. Gibbs plans?

26. What is symbolized by the repeated playing of “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds”?

27. In what ways do Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb fit the stereotypical 1900s housewife?

28. In what ways do Dr. Gibbs and Editor Webb fit the stereotypical 1900s husband and father?

29. Handel’s “Largo” and “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” are each played at least twice throughout the play: the second time for both being at the wedding. Since this is a straight play (as opposed to a musical), what significance do these two songs have in regards to the story’s events and for the characters?

30. Analyze Mrs. Gibbs opinion of her wedding day and weddings in general. Are her feelings odd?

31. Three of George’s baseball teammates show up at his wedding and begin whistling and catcalling to him. What might their presence at this event symbolize, particularly for George?

32. Identify the major conflict of the play. How is it resolved by the play’s end? Is it resolved for each character?

33. How does Our Town echo a classic Greek tragedy?

34. Describe the overall tone of the play.

35. What is the significance of the play’s title?

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