The Skin of Our Teeth

The Skin of Our Teeth is an allegory, or a narrative in which the characters and events symbolize a larger meaning or idea, often with a message about morality or beliefs. In broad strokes, what do you think the allegory represents? How would you articulate the overall message? Use details from the play to support your argument.

Imagine that you are involved in reviving the play for a contemporary audience. How would you make connections to the current world? What is particularly relevant? What hasn’t aged well and might need revision? What do you think audiences need to know to understand the play?

Choose one of the characters from the main family (which includes Sabina) and follow their actions and journey throughout the play. What is their significance in the world of the play? To the other characters? How do they grow or fail to grow? Cite evidence from the text to support your response.