51 pages • 1 hour read
Thornton WilderThe Skin of Our Teeth
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1942A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder follows the Antrobus family, who symbolize humanity's resilience as they endure and survive three catastrophic events: an ice age, a great flood, and a devastating war, with each act reflecting a different crisis. Employing surrealism and epic theater techniques, Wilder uses a cyclical plot to highlight themes of survival, family loyalty, and human perseverance.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Thornton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth has been lauded for its innovative narrative and blending of genres, deftly combining comedy, tragedy, and satire. Critics appreciate its timeless themes and social commentary. However, some find the play's unconventional structure challenging. Overall, it's celebrated for its originality and thought-provoking content.
Who Should Read The Skin of Our Teeth?
A reader who enjoys The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder is often drawn to innovative, meta-theatrical works that blend humor and existential themes. Similar audiences are captivated by the quirky, thought-provoking nature of works like Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author or Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.
RecommendedReading Age
16+yearsBook Details
Play: Drama
Allegory / Fable / Parable
Education
Emotions/Behavior: Hope
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance
Society: War
WWII / World War II
Education