Our Town test

Question 1

a statement that seems like a
contradiction but actually
reveals a truth
“At least, choose an unimportant day…Choose the least important day in your life. It will be important enough” (Wilder 100).

Answer 1

paradox
The stage manager tells her to choose an unimportant day in her life and tells her it will be important because he knows it will reveal to her the true meaning of life although it is an unimportant day.

Question 2

A reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that adds greater meaning to the piece of literature.
“Yes…People are meant to go through life two by two. Tain’t natural to be lonesome” (Wilder 53).

Answer 2

allusion
I feel this is referring to the Bible, the animals went into the ark 2 by 2 and we are called to have companionship in life and matrimony is a big part of that.

Question 3

a genre of literature written to be performed on stage before an audience

Answer 3

drama

Question 4

One of the main divisions in a play

Answer 4

act

Question 5

A division of an act

Answer 5

scene

Question 6

Italicized comments that identify parts of the setting or the use of props or costumes, give further information about a character, or provide background information

Answer 6

stage directions

Question 7

The conversation between characters

Answer 7

dialogue

Question 8

Hangings, draperies, structures, etc., used on a stage to represent a locale or furnish decorative background.

Answer 8

scenery

Question 9

A play or form of entertainment in which the performers express themselves mutely by gestures, often to the accompaniment of music.

Answer 9

pantomime

Question 10

Acknowledging and/or speaking directly to the audience

Answer 10

breaking the fourth wall

Question 11

When was Our Town written?

Answer 11

1938

Question 12

Why is the stage manager’s character unusual?

Answer 12

He is the stage manager but also is part of the cast. He also was the drug dealer and minister. He breaks the fourth wall and knows the future and past.

Question 13

What is unique about the Our Town scenery?

Answer 13

There is no scenery but instead very descriptive dialogue so viewers can imagine it.

Question 14

Who is Bessie?

Answer 14

Howie Newsome’s horse

Question 15

In the beginning of Act II, who is the “best baseball player” the paper boy complains about losing?

Answer 15

George Gibbs

Question 16

Why does George want to find a way to communicate between Emily’s window and his?

Answer 16

He likes Emily and wants to communicate with her so they grow closer also so they can do homework

Question 17

Why do Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb order extra milk and cream in Act II?

Answer 17

To host the guests for George and Emily’s wedding.

Question 18

Doc Gibbs admits that he was worried about what before marrying his wife?

Answer 18

He was worried they wouldn’t have anything to talk about at dinners and it would just be a forced relationship.

Question 19

What does Emily tell George that other people are saying about him?

Answer 19

That he is stuck up and only cares about baseball.

Question 20

When George realizes he doesn’t have money to pay for the sodas, what does he give the drugstore owner as temporary payment?

Answer 20

His gold watch

Question 21

What are the names of the three acts in Our Town?

Answer 21

Daily Life, Love and Marriage, Death and the afterlife.

Question 22

What is the setting of Act III?

Answer 22

The graveyard and cemetery on the hill. Emily’s 12 year old home

Question 23

What day does Emily choose to return to re-live?

Answer 23

Her 12th birthday

Question 24

What is the significance of the lack of scenery and curtain? What was Wilder’s purpose?

Answer 24

It was not normal and Wilder didn’t want people to get sucked into the play so they could not learn the lessons which were being learned and applied to lives.

Question 25

What roles does the stage manager take on during the play?

Answer 25

Mr. Morgan (the drugstore owner), the minister, Mrs. Forrest (the old woman George runs into when playing baseball)

Question 25

Explain the importance of the repeated phrase (motif) “an ordinary day” in relation to theme and the realization that Emily makes in Act III.

Answer 25

Emily realizes that even the ordinary days are important and you should never take them for granted. When she lived they weren’t appreciated and now she realizes and treasures them.

Question 26

Why is the play called Our Town instead of Grover’s Corners?

Answer 26

Many towns were like this and no matter where you are from you could relate to the stereotypical small town and the lessons they learned.