Thornton Wilder's Our Town

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Recommended: Influences of religion on culture and society

"Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it, every, every minute?" Are humans ever able to realize life? Are they able to "…comprehend completely or correctly [?]" "Webb" Gibbs is only able to mutter this statement after her eyes are opened to the truth. Emily's eyes were not even opened after her death. She was just able to see after a flashback and relive one special day in her past. She realizes what life really is after watching all the hustle and bustle that takes place even on her 12th birthday. Thornton Wilder has written Our Town to show the downfall of western society, i.e. "organized religion." Religion is highly regarded in Grover's Corners. "…Over there is the Congregational church; across the street is the Presbyterian. Methodist and Unitarian are over there. Baptist is down in the ‘holla by the river. Catholic Church is over there beyond the tracks." Is this far from the reality shown in society today? Organized religion is one of the largest contributors to self-suffering, violence, and ignorance. Religion, along with other minuscule things, allows people to get passed by in life and to miss out on what really matters.

The citizens of Grover's Corners are common people. They are no different than any person attempting to live a fulfilled life. The citizens are good natured and for the most part life faithful lives. For the most part they live faithful lives. However, when it comes to some of the lower members within their society; true actions are shown.

16 Thou openest thine hand,

and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,

and holy in all his works.

18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,

to all that call upon him in truth.

Does God satisfy every living thing? What about Simon Stinson? Although he may now have peace, is his fate satisfying for everyone. It may be satisfying for the citizens, but what about for himself? "God ‘satisfies the desire of every living thing.' But in nature few needs are met and few desires are satisfied.

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