Although we will not be going over Our Town in great depth, having read this play will greatly benefit you on the ELA Regents exam since it is considered a classic. Consider the following themes for possible critical lens questions:
1. The Importance of Interpersonal Relationships (“The Ties That Bond” is played during George and Emily’s first conversation, their wedding, and Emily’s funeral)
2. Ordinary as Powerful
3. Life Flies By -note the many references to time, the stage manager frequently checking his watch. Life flies by because we establish rhythms and often do not realize the subtle beauty in life.
4. Everyone Shares in a Common Humanity; Universality of Human Experience- The play lacks a definite set so that the audience must interact with the play to create the setting. Of course, the play’s meaning does not alter, indicating the play’s timelessness and universal appeal.
5. The Beauty of Simplicity
FOR FUN:
On your own time, listen to The Beatles' “Eleanor Rigby” and compare it to the characters and themes of “Our Town.”
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