Critical Overview
The Skin of Our Teeth, a play by Thornton Wilder, captures the chaotic essence of human history through a brilliant mix of absurdity and profound themes. Initially bewildering to American audiences with its eclectic dramaturgical influences, the play nonetheless remains a captivating theatrical experience. Its enduring appeal and critical acclaim reflect its profound exploration of humanity's resilience amidst crises.
Theatrical Inspirations and Themes
When The Skin of Our Teeth premiered, it presented a unique theatrical form unfamiliar to American audiences. Wilder drew inspiration from "dream plays," German expressionism, and even the comic strip, among other sources. To many, his approach seemed an odd juxtaposition of madcap comedy and poignant reflection. Yet, this blend of styles served a purpose: to parody the traditional American stock-company productions while offering a serious commentary on human endurance through crises such as depressions, wars, and Ice Ages.
Wilder's play is not an assembly of disparate cultures and generations but rather a portrayal of humankind as a single entity—a living being named Antrobus, derived from the Greek word for "man." Through his characters, Wilder conveys that humanity's existence is a balance between intellect and passion, with the potential for both chaos and redemption. Sabina, the maid, represents unbridled passions, while Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus embody reason's masculine and feminine aspects. Their son, Henry, represents "strong unreconciled evil," hinting at humanity's darker impulses. Wilder's characters are not mere allegories; they reveal the complexity of human nature and the interplay between reason, passion, and morality.
Symbolism and Human Unity
Within the family dynamics of the Antrobuses, Wilder embeds the theme of love as a collective force rather than a singular trait. This theme is expressed through their interactions with refugees, their refusal to leave Henry behind, and their eventual acceptance of him despite his transgressions. These actions echo the broader condition of human kinship and unity, where all are interconnected. The play's symbolic gestures, such as Mr. Antrobus acknowledging Henry despite his flaws, represent a universal acceptance critical to human survival.
Wilder further explores the concept of humanity as a continuous thread of shared experience and memory. By integrating anachronistic elements such as dinosaurs, biblical figures, and Greek mythological characters into the Antrobuses' living room, Wilder emphasizes that time is an eternal present where past, future, and imagination coexist. This perspective underscores the importance of historical knowledge and shared human experiences in shaping the future, drawing connections between technological advancement and historical legacy.
The Role of Intellect and Reason
In Wilder’s view, humanity’s hope for enduring lies in the cultivation of intellect and reason. He posits that the foremost task is establishing individual order through disciplined reason, linking this capacity to a divine energy that influences the universe. The threat to survival extends beyond primal instincts to the corruption of rational faculties by evil. Yet, this threat is countered by humanity's inherent capacity for love and wisdom, the latter being transmitted through historical texts and intellectual heritage.
Books and education become instruments of humanization, with Mr. Antrobus's contempt for Henry's book-burning symbolizing the danger posed by ignorance and forgetfulness. Wilder’s optimism in the resilience of humankind is partly rooted in the abiding presence of literature and libraries, which serve as repositories of human thought and creativity.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Since its debut, The Skin of Our Teeth has consistently garnered critical acclaim, despite some initial bewilderment from audiences. The play’s imaginative scope and anti-illusionary techniques were lauded, although a minority criticized these elements as lacking substance. Despite such critiques, the play was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1942, cementing its status as a cornerstone...
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of American theater.
The work gained international recognition, particularly in post-war Europe, where its themes of revitalization resonated deeply with audiences. Notable productions in London and beyond affirmed its universal appeal. Although the Soviet Union banned Wilder's plays, other European nations embraced them, with German audiences particularly appreciative.
Influence and Continued Relevance
By the 1950s, the play was widely regarded as a seminal piece in the history of theater. It was celebrated for its innovative theatrical techniques and thematic depth, drawing comparisons to Brechtian epic theater and influencing European absurdist drama. Rex Burbank published the first comprehensive study of Wilder’s work in 1961, followed by several in-depth analyses that acknowledged his lasting impact on modern theater.
Despite the shifting preferences of later critics towards more pessimistic modernist works, The Skin of Our Teeth maintained its popularity in academic circles and theatrical productions. Revivals continued to receive critical acclaim, confirming its status as a staple of mid-twentieth-century American drama. Its enduring relevance is evidenced by its frequent inclusion in literature anthologies and college syllabi, alongside Wilder’s other celebrated work, Our Town.
