The Skin of Our Teeth

by Thornton Wilder

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Examine the similarities and differences between The Skin of Our Teeth and James Joyce's Finnegan's Wake (1939). Thornton Wilder admitted that Joyce's novel significantly inspired his play. What parallels in themes and structure can be observed between these two works? What major thematic contrasts set Wilder's perspective apart from Joyce's?

Investigate the political and cultural atmosphere in Germany following World War II. What challenges and ideas faced by the German population during this era might explain their favorable reception of Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth?

Research psychologist Carl Jung's concept of "archetype." What archetypal images and characters are present in The Skin of Our Teeth? How does identifying them as such affect how audiences interpret the play?

Compare and contrast The Skin of Our Teeth with a traditional naturalistic play like Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House (1879) or Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night (1956). What staging methods define each piece? Which conventional theatrical boundaries does Wilder's play challenge?

Read a book or watch a film that depicts a post-apocalyptic world, such as Angela Carter's novel Heroes and Villains (1981), Richard Matheson's short novel I Am Legend (1954), or movies like The Road Warrior (1982) or The Day After (1983). Then, compare the setting and characters of your chosen work with those in The Skin of Our Teeth. How much does this work align with Wilder's cyclical vision and message about human resilience, adaptability, and duality? Do the two works offer similar or differing perspectives on the human condition?

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