"The Time of Your Life" by William Saroyan is a multifaceted play that draws influence from American vaudeville and acts as a precursor to existentialist and absurdist drama, yet it stands apart with its unique narrative and thematic preoccupations. With a cast of characters drawn from everyday life, the play is an appeal for compassion and kindness set against the backdrop of a fractured world. Critical responses over the years have varied, with some praising its originality and others questioning its structural and thematic coherence.

Theatrical Influences and Narrative Style

"The Time of Your Life" reflects its indebtedness to vaudeville theater through its emphasis on impromptu performance and a meandering plot. Characters like Joe, who is reminiscent of Beckett’s Ham, remain largely immobile and dependent on others, underscoring themes of existential futility. However, unlike existentialist or absurdist plays, Saroyan’s narrative does not completely surrender to despair; Joe, despite his apparent inaction, profoundly influences the lives of those around him.

The narrative's lack of a traditional structure has been both a point of criticism and praise. Critics such as John Mason Brown noted the play’s "enormous vigor" despite its loose plot, while others like Charles Anghoff derided it for being "thin" and "undistinguished." This lack of conventional structure allows for creative liberties that some find fascinating and delightful, while others see it as a detriment.

Critical Reception and Analysis

Upon its Broadway debut in 1939, "The Time of Your Life" elicited a spectrum of responses. Some critics admired its compassion and vigor, whereas others criticized its perceived naivety and structural weaknesses. Brooks Atkinson described it as "original, breezy, and deeply felt," while Brendan Gill dismissed it as a "ramshackle affair." Over time, some critics, such as Clive Barnes, revised their earlier harsh judgments, appreciating the play’s nuanced charm when viewed through the lens of nostalgia.

Literary scholars have offered varied interpretations of the play's thematic core. Kenneth Rhoads sees Joe as a Christ-like figure, embodying romanticism and sentimentality. In contrast, Thelma Shinn argues that Saroyan presents an existentialist outlook, with characters searching for meaning in an absurd universe. For Shinn, Saroyan’s use of contrasting elements within characters and scenes adds depth often overlooked by critics.

Character and Theme Exploration

Saroyan’s characters are an eclectic mix, each representing different facets of humanity. This diversity is both a strength and a source of critique. Some question the likelihood of such harmony among varied characters in a single setting, while others see it as a testament to Saroyan’s vision of compassion and community. His characters, from the newsboy singing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" to the philosopher Arab, illustrate the joy of living and the simple pleasures that defy a tragic worldview.

The play is lauded for its refreshing optimism amidst the grim global context of its time. Saroyan’s depiction of camaraderie among outsiders and people of diverse racial backgrounds is praised for its wisdom, reflecting an idealistic yet earnest belief in human harmony. The simple exuberance found in characters’ love for music and games highlights Saroyan’s thematic focus on joy and the vibrancy of life.

Saroyan’s Artistic Philosophy

William Saroyan’s approach to drama diverges from the didactic tendencies of contemporaries like Henrik Ibsen and George Bernard Shaw. Instead of polemics, Saroyan's work evokes empathy and respect for the marginalized. His play, set before the United States' entry into World War II, emphasizes the importance of kindness amidst adversity and avoids the harshness common in the theater of ideas.

Saroyan himself acknowledged the influence of Shaw, describing both their works as embodying health, wisdom, and comedy. This approach resonates in the characters of "The...