| Thornton Wilder is an outstanding American writer, whose Our Town achieves the highest of his playwriting. Our Town is not only an account of life in a small New Hampshire town called Grover Corners, it traces the great and continuing cycle of life from birth to death. It is an attempt to find a value above all price for the smallest events of daily life. On the one hand, this thesis approaches the theme of the play from the perspective of cultural criticism. Through examining the culture of the Depression period; culture in small town; culture of living and people cultural values, it exposes the general idea of the play multi-facetedly. On the other hand, form is subject to content. Wilder borrows and innovates so much in theatrical modes and techniques as to better demonstrate the theme. We can find everywhere in this play illustrations of Expressionism and Epic Theatre introduced by Brecht. All these make the little play of daily life successful. In the chaotic age of tumult and exhaust, Our Town is like a clear spring. With its rich culture connotation, it flows smoothly into people heart in a fresh and most suitable manner. Consequently, it arouses nostalgic feelings towards the beautiful past, inspires prospects for the hopeful future. It shows admiration and praise for the universal human emotion and the eternity of daily life. Therefore, special charm is reflected by Our Town of Thornton Wilder originality. |
