78 pages 2 hours read

Thornton Wilder

Our Town

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1938

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Answer Key

Act I

Reading Check

1. Emily and Wally (Act I)

2. Money (Act I)

3. Alcoholism (Act I)

4. Pneumonia (Act I)

5. Protestant Christianity (Act I)

Short Answer

1. Joe died during World War I, which was tragic because he was a bright young man who had just gotten a university education in engineering. (Act I)

2. Mrs. Gibbs confesses that someone offered to buy a piece of her old furniture for $350 and that if she were to sell it, she would want to use the money to travel—something that Mr. Gibbs despises unless it involves visiting a historical war site. (Act I)

3. George compliments Emily’s speech and admits that he watches her through her window as she studies at night. (Act I)

4. The Stage Manager points to the minimalist scenery and lets the audience know that it is there for those who need it. (Act I)

5. Everyone who sees Doc Gibbs greets him, and he seems to carry an air of authority that is especially present when he talks to his children.