~ Thornton Wilder, Our Town
One of my favorite plays is Thornton Wilder's turn-of-the-century (20th) celebration of the little things of life. My student teacher just started teaching it to my AP English class this week and I am finding myself itching to be doing it myself! First of all, it's set in a place I love. Second of all, it has some profound truths about life in it, making it (in my humble opinion) a valuable piece to bring to the classroom. Since it's still her time to teach, I am having to content myself with enjoying her fine effort to impart wisdom and joy in my place.
Do we realize life while we live it? I dare say most of us don't. Wilder's Stage Manager says "No. Saints and poets. Maybe they do some." What does it take to realize it? Coming to the edge? Nearly falling over it? Why aren't the ordinary things of our life enough? Those are some of the things to ponder as she helps our students navigate this lovely portrait of New England life during the next several days...
Coincidentally, one of my Facebook friends posted this lovely photo of the real-life model for Wilder's fictional Grover's Corners. It's enough to make me appreciate life! And enough to make me miss living in New England in the fall...
