Our Town

Our Town examines the fundamental values of American life and how its cultural priorities shape the destinies of the citizens of an ordinary American town. It poses philosophical questions on life, love, and death—those human concepts that define our existence. How does Our Town demonstrate The Cycle of Life, Love, and Death That Continues Throughout Human History and Eternity? Use these questions to reflect on the play before composing a response.

• What types of ideas and philosophical views does the Stage Manager discuss?
• How do the play’s characters demonstrate this cycle through the events they experience?
• In what ways does the play’s progression, including major and minor plot details, illuminate this theme?

Teaching Suggestion: This question is designed to help students amalgamate the various aspects of the play (plot, formatting, characters, dialogue, theme) that work together to create a unified message about the nature of human existence. It will also assist students in preparing to write their essays as it provides an opportunity to practice critical thinking and consider more than one aspect of the play.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who benefit from visual representations may also use images to symbolize the cycle of human life in the play. Encourage them to incorporate different colors and/or symbols to convey meaning.