Thornton Wilder
Thornton Wilder: A Literary Luminary
Full Name and Common Aliases
Thornton Niven Wilder, commonly known simply as Thornton Wilder, was a distinguished American playwright and novelist whose works have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American literature.
Birth and Death Dates
Thornton Wilder was born on April 17, 1897, and passed away on December 7, 1975. His life spanned a period of significant cultural and historical change, which is often reflected in his writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Thornton Wilder was an American by nationality. He was a prolific playwright and novelist, celebrated for his ability to capture the human condition with both depth and simplicity. His works often explore themes of existentialism, community, and the passage of time.
Early Life and Background
Thornton Wilder was born in Madison, Wisconsin, to Amos Parker Wilder, a newspaper editor and diplomat, and Isabella Niven Wilder. His family moved frequently due to his father's career, living in places such as Hong Kong and California. This exposure to diverse cultures and environments enriched Wilder's perspective and informed his writing.
Wilder attended Oberlin College before transferring to Yale University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1920. He later pursued graduate studies in French at Princeton University, further honing his literary skills. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in literature and drama.
Major Accomplishments
Thornton Wilder's career was marked by numerous accolades and achievements. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama three times, a testament to his exceptional talent and contribution to American theater. His first Pulitzer came in 1928 for the novel "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," which explores the interconnectedness of human lives through the story of a bridge collapse in Peru.
Wilder's second Pulitzer was awarded in 1938 for the play "Our Town," a groundbreaking work that redefined the conventions of theater with its minimalist staging and profound exploration of everyday life in a small American town. His third Pulitzer came in 1943 for "The Skin of Our Teeth," a play that blends allegory and satire to depict the resilience of the human spirit through the ages.
Notable Works or Actions
Thornton Wilder's body of work is both diverse and influential. "Our Town" remains one of his most celebrated plays, often performed in schools and theaters worldwide. Its innovative use of a stage manager as a narrator and its focus on the ordinary moments of life have made it a timeless classic.
"The Skin of Our Teeth" is another notable work, praised for its inventive narrative and its commentary on human survival and adaptability. Wilder's novel "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" continues to be studied for its philosophical insights and narrative structure.
In addition to his writing, Wilder served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, contributing to the war effort as an intelligence officer. His experiences during the war further enriched his understanding of human nature and informed his later works.
Impact and Legacy
Thornton Wilder's impact on literature and theater is profound. His innovative approach to storytelling and his exploration of universal themes have influenced countless writers and playwrights. Wilder's works continue to be studied and performed, resonating with audiences for their timeless exploration of human existence.
Wilder's legacy is also evident in the numerous awards and honors he received throughout his lifetime, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963. His contributions to American culture and literature have cemented his place as one of the most important figures in 20th-century literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Thornton Wilder is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to distill complex human emotions and experiences into simple, yet profound, narratives. His works often contain memorable lines that capture the essence of life, love, and the passage of time. Quotes from "Our Town," such as "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?—every, every minute?" continue to resonate with readers and audiences, prompting reflection on the beauty and brevity of life.
Wilder's exploration of universal themes and his innovative contributions to theater and literature ensure that his words remain relevant and impactful. His ability to connect with audiences on a deeply human level is why Thornton Wilder is remembered and quoted to this day.
Quotes by Thornton Wilder
Thornton Wilder's insights on:
Nurse one vice in your bosom. Give it the attention it deserves and let your virtues spring up modestly around it. Then you'll have the miser who's no liar; and the drunkard who's the benefactor of the whole city.
When you're safe at home, you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure, you wish you were safe at home.
My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate— that's my philosophy.
My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate. That's my philosophy.
Many who have spent a lifetime in it can tell us lessof love than the child that lost a dog yesterday.
When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you whish you were safe at home.
Some say that we shall never know and that to the gods we are like the flies that the boys kill on a summer's day, and some say, to the contrary, that the very sparrows do not lose a feather that has not been brushed away by the finger of God.
I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.
Camila had intended to be perfunctory and if possible impudent, but now she was struck for the first time with the dignity of the old woman. The mercer’s daughter could carry herself at times with all the distinction of the Montemayors and when she was drunk she wore the grandeur of Hecuba.