Absurdity
The humor in The Skin of Our Teeth largely stems from Wilder's use of strange juxtapositions that place characters in absurd scenarios, emphasizing the ridiculousness of seemingly ordinary events. By blending elements of 20th-century suburban America with historical and mythological events, Wilder creates an unusual world where a typical family can own a dinosaur and mammoth as pets, the Antrobuses can mark their 5,000th wedding anniversary, and the children can recite poetry despite their father having only just invented the alphabet.

American Exceptionalism
By depicting the allegorical parents of humanity as a typical American middle-class couple, Wilder reinforces the belief in the unique nature of America and its people. Mr. Antrobus embodies the virtues of creativity, resilience, and hard work, which are seen as traits of the ideal American entrepreneur. The family's recurring ability to start with nothing and achieve greatness encapsulates the American dream, suggesting that the finest human traits are also the finest American qualities.

Illusion vs. Reality
Traditional realistic plays aim to create a "real" world on stage, encouraging the audience to forget they're watching actors in a fictional drama. In contrast, Wilder frequently breaks this theatrical illusion to remind viewers they are watching a performance. When actors step out of character to address the audience, they underline that this is a staged performance, a fictional world that can be changed and adapted by the people creating it. Wilder consistently reminds the audience of the realities of sets, actors, and scripts, challenging the conventions of naturalistic theater.

Cycle of History
The Skin of Our Teeth highlights the repetitive nature of human history. The Antrobuses have faced disasters in the past, overcome more during the play, and are prepared to face further challenges by the end. Wilder underscores the cyclical nature of their lives, with each act beginning anew. The play concludes with the same words and situation as it started, serving as a reminder that the cycle of history (and human existence) is continuous.

Family
Wilder's play both mocks and idealizes the concept of the nuclear family. George and Maggie Antrobus are exaggerated examples of the male provider and the female caregiver. His passion for inventions and books, along with her unwavering dedication to her children, may be seen as humorously overstated. Nonetheless, their commitment to traditional gender roles seems to aid in the survival of humanity in each act, implying that the continuation of civilization relies on maintaining a conventional family structure in some form.

Good and Evil
The character Henry, once known as Cain, highlights the enduring presence of evil in the world. The wrathful and aggressive Henry is a member of the human family and appears in every scene, indicating that evil is an inescapable part of life. Henry's confrontation with his father near the play's conclusion exemplifies the ongoing battle between good and evil. However, Wilder leaves this conflict unresolved, mirroring how real-world struggles between such forces often end inconclusively. The play implies that as humanity progresses into each new era, it carries both its virtuous and malevolent tendencies.

Human Condition
Wilder's characters embody fundamental human traits and face universal human experiences, illustrating the constant realities of the human condition. The Antrobuses and Sabina, representing intelligence, maternal love, violence, lust, selfishness, and perseverance, endure challenges like work, betrayal, natural disasters, and war. Through his portrayal of them and their oddly timeless existence, Wilder highlights the best and worst facets of the human condition: humanity has both the will and capability to endure, yet must continually confront and overcome its own destructive impulses.