Our Town Chapter Summary & Analysis - Act 1, Part 2 Summary

Act 1, Part 2 Summary

This section begins with the Stage Manager introducing a university professor, who speaks about the geological and anthropological history of Grover's Corners. When the professor is finished the Stage Manager introduces Mr. Webb, the editor of the local paper, for commentary on the town's social and political life. Mr. Webb describes the town's citizens as mostly conservative, mainly lower-middle class, mostly ordinary and perhaps a little dull. The Stage Manager invites questions from members of the audience. Actors portraying audience members ask whether there is much drinking in the town--Mr. Webb says there is not a great deal; whether anyone is aware of social injustice--Mr. Webb says everyone is doing their best; and whether there is much culture. In response to this last question, Mr. Webb says most people get their pleasures from watching the sun come up, listening to the birds sing and other aspects of nature. The overall...
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