Study Guide: Our Town

Our Town: Act I Reading Guide

Setting

  • The setting of "Our Town" is Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, during the early 20th century.

Earliest Tombstones in the Cemetery

  • The earliest tombstones bear the same names as living residents, indicating a continuity of life and heritage in the town.

  • Significance: It highlights themes of tradition, mortality, and the cyclical nature of life.

Joe Crowell, Jr.

  • Joe Crowell, Jr. is a character introduced in Act I who represents the youth of Grover's Corners.

  • Point of Information: His character symbolizes the aspirations and dreams that often end abruptly due to the realities of life and war, showcasing the impact of broader societal issues on small communities.

Mrs. Gibbs's Thoughts

  • As Mrs. Gibbs helps Mrs. Webb string beans, she reflects on her dreams of travel and her desires versus her responsibilities.

Women's Voting Rights

  • Editor Webb states that women in Grover's Corners “vote indirect,” meaning they influence their husbands' votes but do not vote directly themselves.

Lecture Format

  • The format of a “lecture, with questions afterwards” serves as a means to engage the audience, fostering a sense of community and interaction.

  • Purpose: It breaks the fourth wall, involving the audience in the storytelling and making them feel part of the town's life.

Emily's Thoughts

  • Emily expresses her worries about growing up and leaving childhood behind, revealing her insecurities and desires for stability and acceptance.

Stage Manager's Interruption

  • The Stage Manager pauses the action to provide commentary on the town and its people, adding depth and context to the narrative.

  • He emphasizes the town's simplicity and its archetypal nature.

George and Emily's Balcony Scene

  • The balcony scene is staged to symbolize young love and the innocence of childhood friendships evolving into deeper connections.

  • It emphasizes the theme of love and the trials of young adulthood.

Jane Crofut’s Letter

  • The address on Jane Crofut's letter is significant as it symbolizes the evolving nature of identity and belonging in a small town.

  • Rebecca and George find it startling because it contains a sense of the world beyond Grover's Corners, hinting at the outside influences on their community.

Our Town: Act II Reading Guide

Acts I and II

  • The Stage Manager refers to Acts I and II as "the daily life" of Grover's Corners.

  • Timing: Act II takes place three years later, in 1904.

Comparison of Days

  • In Act I, the day begins with the routine of morning chores, while in Act II, it starts with the excitement and anxiety of impending marriage.

  • Significance: This illustrates the progression of life and the passage of time within the community.

Mr. Webb's Lesson to George

  • Mr. Webb advises George that marriage requires commitment and understanding, emphasizing the importance of partnership and communication.

Setting Timeline

  • Not all of Act II is set in 1904; it shifts between moments to depict the growth of George and Emily's relationship over time.

Emily's Upset Towards George

  • Emily is upset with George due to his perceived lack of sensitivity towards her feelings and the pressures of impending marriage.

Stage Manager’s Role

  • In the drugstore scene, the Stage Manager's role becomes more defined as he acts as a narrative bridge linking the characters' experiences and thoughts with the audience.

Drugstore Decision

  • George and Emily decide to marry in the drugstore, representing the youthful spontaneity and the transition to adulthood.

Characters' Views on Marriage

  • George: Views marriage as an adventure but is initially naïve about its challenges.

  • Emily: Sees marriage as a source of love and companionship, though anxious about it.

  • Mrs. Webb: Approaches marriage with a pragmatic perspective, prioritizing family and stability.

Stage Manager's Comment After Vows

  • The Stage Manager notes that the moment of saying vows is "interesting once in a thousand times" because it captures the profound nature of commitment amidst ordinary events.

  • This highlights the significance of love and relationships in human experience.

Audience Exit

  • George and Emily leaving through the audience serve to connect the viewers to the story, making them feel part of the celebration of life and love.

Our Town: Act III Reading Guide

Title and Setting

  • The subject of Act III is titled "Death"; the events take place some years after Act II, focusing on the community's response to death and remembrance.

Joe Stoddard and Sam Craig's Conversation

  • The conversation serves to highlight the values of community remembrance and the acceptance of mortality within Grover's Corners.

Funeral Details

  • Emily's funeral occurs during this act and her cause of death is attributed to complications during childbirth, reflecting the dangers women faced historically.

Use of Sound

  • The mourners sing a hymn that signifies hope and comfort, representing the collective grief and resilience of the community in the face of loss.

Mrs. Gibbs's Legacy

  • Mrs. Gibbs uses her legacy to fund a trip to Paris, illustrating her dreams and the theme of pursuing unfulfilled desires.

Emily's Chosen Day

  • Emily chooses to relive her 12th birthday, a day filled with innocence and joy, reflecting on the simplicity of life’s moments.

Day's Beginning

  • The day begins with the familiar routines, highlighting the beauty of daily life and the mundane details often overlooked.

Emily's Thoughts on Returning

  • Emily wonders about the significance of appreciating life more deeply, questioning why people don’t realize its value while alive.

  • The Stage Manager responds by affirming the notion that life is precious and urges remembrance of everyday moments.

Simon Stimson's Reflection

  • Simon Stimson comments that being alive is filled with struggles and disappointments, suggesting a cynical view of existence while also reflecting reality.

Stage Manager's Closing

  • The Stage Manager closes the play by emphasizing the importance of life's fleeting nature and the collective human experience.

  • He remarks on the necessity of striving to make something of oneself amidst life's challenges, presenting a hopeful yet realistic outlook on existence.