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Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub: A Classic American Play
If you are looking for a timeless and meaningful play that captures the essence of American life, you should read Our Town by Thornton Wilder. This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, first published in 1938, tells the story of the people of Grover's Corners, a small town in New Hampshire, from 1901 to 1913. Through their joys and sorrows, their births and deaths, their love and loss, Our Town shows us the beauty and tragedy of everyday life.
Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub
In this article, we will explore what Our Town is about, why it is a classic, and how you can download it in Epub format. Epub is a popular and convenient digital format that allows you to read books on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and computers. You can also customize your reading experience by adjusting the font size, color, brightness, and layout. Epub files are also easy to find, download, and store.
So, if you are ready to dive into Our Town, let's get started!
What is Our Town about?
Our Town is a play that depicts the lives of the residents of Grover's Corners, a fictional town in New Hampshire. It covers a span of 12 years, from 1901 to 1913, and focuses on two families: the Gibbses and the Webbs. The play is divided into three acts, each with a different theme:
The first act, titled "Daily Life", introduces us to the town and its characters. We meet Dr. Gibbs, his wife Mrs. Gibbs, their son George, and their daughter Rebecca. We also meet Mr. Webb, the editor of the local newspaper, his wife Mrs. Webb, their daughter Emily, and their son Wally. We see how they go about their daily routines, such as eating breakfast, going to school, working, gossiping, and delivering milk.
The second act, titled "Love and Marriage", takes place three years later, on July 7th, 1904. It shows us the wedding day of George Gibbs and Emily Webb, who have fallen in love since childhood. We witness their nervousness before the ceremony, their vows at the church, their reception at the Webb house, and their departure for their honeymoon.
The third act, titled "Death and Eternity", takes place nine years later, in 1913. It shows us the funeral of Emily Webb, who has died in childbirth. We see how her family and friends mourn her loss, and how she joins the other dead souls in the town cemetery. She is given a chance to relive one day of her life, but she realizes that it is too painful to watch the living, who take their existence for granted. She decides to return to her grave, and the play ends with the Stage Manager bidding farewell to the audience.
The setting and structure of Our Town
Grover's Corners, New Hampshire
The play is set in Grover's Corners, a small town in New Hampshire, near the Massachusetts border. The town is named after General Grovers, who led a regiment in the Civil War. The town has a population of about 2,600 people, mostly farmers and shopkeepers. It has a railroad station, a post office, a bank, a drugstore, a library, a schoolhouse, a church, and a cemetery. It also has a newspaper, called the Grover's Corners Sentinel, edited by Mr. Webb.
Grover's Corners is a typical American town of the early 20th century, with its own history, traditions, customs, and values. It is a close-knit community, where everyone knows everyone else, and where people help each other out. It is also a conservative and religious town, where people follow the rules of society and faith. It is a peaceful and quiet town, where nothing much happens, except for the occasional fire or illness.
Grover's Corners is also a symbolic town, representing any small town in America, or even the world. It is a microcosm of human life, where we can find universal themes and emotions. It is a timeless and placeless town, where we can relate to the characters and their experiences.
Three acts and four scenes
The play is divided into three acts, each with a different theme and time period. The first act is about daily life in 1901, the second act is about love and marriage in 1904, and the third act is about death and eternity in 1913. Each act has four scenes: morning, afternoon, evening, and night.
The play follows a linear and chronological structure, showing us the progression of time and events in the town. However, it also breaks the fourth wall, by having the Stage Manager address the audience directly and comment on the action. The Stage Manager also acts as a narrator, providing background information and historical context for the scenes. He also interacts with some of the characters, such as Mr. Webb and Emily.
The role of the Stage Manager
The Stage Manager is a unique and innovative character in Our Town. He acts as a bridge between the audience and the actors, breaking the illusion of realism and inviting us to participate in the play. He also acts as a guide and a commentator, providing us with information and insights about the town and its people. He sometimes plays other roles in the play, such as a minister, a drugstore owner, and a soda jerk.
The Stage Manager is not only a character in the play, but also a symbol of the author's voice and vision. He represents Thornton Wilder's perspective on life and art, and his desire to create a new form of drama that transcends the boundaries of time and space. He challenges us to look beyond the surface of things and to appreciate the deeper meaning and value of human existence.
Why is Our Town a classic?
Our Town is widely regarded as one of the greatest American plays of the 20th century. It has been performed countless times on stage, screen, radio, and television, and has been translated into more than 70 languages. It has also won many awards and honors, such as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1938, the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award in 1938, and the Tony Award for Best Revival in 1989. But what makes Our Town a classic? What are its themes and messages that resonate with audiences across generations and cultures?
The themes and messages of Our Town
The value of life and death
One of the main themes of Our Town is the value of life and death. The play shows us how precious and fragile life is, and how we often take it for granted. It also shows us how death is inevitable and universal, and how we should face it with courage and dignity.
The play contrasts the ordinary and mundane aspects of life with the extraordinary and profound moments of life. It shows us how life is full of joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, dreams and disappointments. It also shows us how life is full of beauty and wonder, love and friendship, faith and gratitude. The play urges us to pay attention to the small things that make life meaningful, such as a sunrise, a flower, a kiss, or a conversation.
The play also explores the mystery and mystery of death. It shows us how death affects both the living and the dead, and how it changes our perspective on life. It shows us how death is part of the natural cycle of life, and how it connects us with our ancestors and our descendants. It also shows us how death is not the end of existence, but rather a transition to another state of being.
The importance of community and individuality
Another theme of Our Town is the importance of community and individuality. The play shows us how we are all part of a larger whole, and how we depend on each other for support and guidance. It also shows us how we are all unique individuals, with our own personalities, talents, opinions, and aspirations.
The play depicts the social structure and norms of Grover's Corners, such as family, marriage, religion, education, work, politics, culture, and recreation. It shows us how these institutions shape our identity and behavior, and how they provide us with stability and order. It also shows us how these institutions can limit our freedom and creativity, and how they can be challenged by change and progress.
The adaptations and variations of Our Town
Our Town has been adapted and varied in many different ways, showing its versatility and appeal. Some of the most notable examples are:
Our Town, a 1940 film adaptation directed by Sam Wood and starring William Holden as George Gibbs and Martha Scott as Emily Webb. The film added some scenes and characters that were not in the play, such as a flashback to George and Emily's childhood, a rival suitor for Emily, and a war veteran brother for George. The film also changed the ending, making Emily survive her childbirth and live happily with George.
Our Town, a 1955 musical adaptation with music by Harry Connick Jr. and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead. The musical premiered at the Westport Country Playhouse in Connecticut and starred Frank Sinatra as the Stage Manager, Paul Newman as George Gibbs, and Jane Curtin as Emily Webb. The musical added some songs and dances that were not in the play, such as "Grover's Corners", "Love and Marriage", and "The Circle of Life". The musical also kept the original ending of the play.
Our Town, a 1977 television adaptation of the play, starring Hal Holbrook as the Stage Manager, Robby Benson as George Gibbs, and Glynnis O'Connor as Emily Webb. The television adaptation was faithful to the play, except for some minor changes in dialogue and staging. The television adaptation also used some special effects to create the illusion of time travel and ghostly appearances.
Grover's Corners, a 1987 musical adaptation performed at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The musical had music by Tom Sivak and lyrics by Joe Leonardo. The musical followed the plot of the play closely, but added some songs that were not in the play, such as "A New Day", "The Wedding Song", and "Remember Me". The musical also kept the original ending of the play.
Our Town, a 2003 opera adaptation with music by Ned Rorem and libretto by J.D. McClatchy. The opera premiered at the Indiana University Opera Theater and starred Jennifer Zetlan as Emily Webb and Keith Phares as George Gibbs. The opera condensed some scenes and characters from the play, but retained its essential themes and messages. The opera also kept the original ending of the play.
The legacy and relevance of Our Town
Our Town has left a lasting legacy and relevance in American culture and beyond. The play has influenced many writers and artists, such as Edward Albee, David Lynch, Stephen Sondheim, Aaron Sorkin, and J.D. Salinger. The play has also inspired many social and educational initiatives, such as the Our Town Project, which uses the play to foster civic engagement and dialogue among diverse communities.
Our Town has also remained relevant to contemporary audiences and issues, such as war, terrorism, environmentalism, racism, and immigration. The play has been performed in various contexts and settings, such as Ground Zero after 9/11, New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Afghanistan during the war, and Syria during the refugee crisis. The play has also been performed by various groups and casts, such as veterans, prisoners, students, seniors, and celebrities.
Our Town has proven to be a timeless and universal play that speaks to the human condition and the value of life. As Thornton Wilder said in his preface to the play: \"Our claim, our hope, our despair are in the mind not in things, not in 'scenery.'\"
How to download Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub?
If you are interested in reading Our Town by Thornton Wilder in Epub format, you might be wondering how to do it. Epub is a digital format that allows you to read books on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and computers. You can also customize your reading experience by adjusting the font size, color, brightness, and layout. Epub files are also easy to find, download, and store.
In this section, we will explain the benefits of reading Our Town in Epub format and the steps to download it.
The benefits of reading Our Town in Epub format
Compatibility and convenience
One of the benefits of reading Our Town in Epub format is that it is compatible with most devices and platforms. You can read it on your smartphone, tablet, e-reader, or computer without any problem. You can also transfer it from one device to another without losing any quality or formatting. You can also read it offline without needing an internet connection.
Another benefit of reading Our Town in Epub format is that it is convenient and portable. You can carry it with you wherever you go without adding any weight or bulk to your bag. You can also access it anytime you want without having to worry about finding a physical copy or a library. You can also save space on your shelves by storing it digitally.
Customization and accessibility
Find a reliable source
The first step to download Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub is to find a reliable source that offers the file. There are many websites that claim to provide free Epub downloads, but not all of them are trustworthy or legal. Some of them may contain viruses, malware, or spyware that can harm your device or steal your personal information. Some of them may also violate the copyright laws and infringe on the author's rights.
Therefore, you should be careful and selective when choosing a source for downloading Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub. You should look for reputable and authorized websites that have positive reviews and ratings from other users. You should also check the file size, format, and quality before downloading it. You should also respect the author's work and support them by buying their books or donating to their causes.
Some of the reliable sources that we recommend for downloading Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub are:
The Internet Archive: This is a non-profit digital library that offers free access to millions of books, movies, music, and other media. You can find Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub in various editions and languages on this website. You can also borrow, read, or download the file without any registration or fee.
OceanofPDF: This is a website that provides free PDF and Epub downloads of various books, including classics, bestsellers, and new releases. You can find Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub on this website with a brief summary and cover image. You can also download the file without any registration or fee.
EpubBooks: This is a website that offers free Epub downloads of public domain and self-published books. You can find Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub on this website with a detailed description and rating. You can also download the file without any registration or fee.
Choose the preferred format
The next step to download Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub is to choose the preferred format for your device and reading app. Epub is a common and widely supported format that works on most devices and platforms. However, some devices and apps may require a different format, such as MOBI, PDF, FB2, CBR, CBZ, TXT or ZIP.
Therefore, you should check the compatibility and features of your device and reading app before downloading Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub. You should also consider your personal preferences and needs, such as the quality, size, layout, and interactivity of the file. You can use online tools or software to convert Epub files to other formats if needed.
Some of the preferred formats for different devices and apps are:
Kindle devices and apps: MOBI or PDF
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Download and enjoy
The final step to download Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub is to simply click on the download button or link on the source website and save the file to your device. You may need to unzip the file if it is compressed or encrypted. You may also need to authorize your device or app if it is required by the source website.
Once you have downloaded Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub, you can open it with your preferred reading app and enjoy reading it. You can also share it with your friends or family, as long as you respect the author's rights and do not distribute it illegally.
Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub. We hope you enjoy this classic American play and learn something from its themes and messages.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed what Our Town by Thornton Wilder is about, why it is a classic, and how to download it in Epub format. We have also provided you with two tables: one with the outline of the article and one with the article with HTML formatting.
Our Town is a play that depicts the lives of the residents of Grover's Corners, a small town in New Hampshire, from 1901 to 1913. It shows us the beauty and tragedy of everyday life, and the universal themes and emotions of human existence. It is a timeless and placeless play that speaks to audiences across generations and cultures.
Epub is a digital format that allows you to read books on various devices and platforms. It is also customizable and accessible, letting you adjust your reading experience according to your preferences and needs. Epub files are also easy to find, download, and store.
To download Our Town Thornton Wilder Epub, you need to follow these steps: find a reliable source, choose the preferred format, download and enjoy. You can use one of the sources that we recommend, such as the Internet Archive, OceanofPDF, or EpubBooks.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Thornton Wilder?
What is the Pulitzer Prize?
What is Grover's Corners?
What is the Stage Manager?
What is Epub?
Who is Thornton Wilder?
Thornton Wilder (1897-1975) was an American writer and playwright who won three Pulitzer Prizes for his works: The Bridge of San Luis Rey, Our Town, and The Skin of Our Teeth. He also wrote novels, essays, short stories, screenplays, and translations. He was known for his experimental and innovative style, his use of allegory and symbolism, and his exploration of universal themes such as life, death, love, faith, and art.
What is the Pulitzer Prize?
The Pulitzer Prize is an award for achievements in journalism, literature, and music in the United States. It was established in 1917 by Joseph Pulitzer, a newspaper publisher and philanthropist. The prize is administered by Columbia University and awarded annually by a board of judges. There are 21 categories of prizes, such as fiction, drama, poetry, history, biography, report