Question

In at least one hundred words, explain how modernism and minimalism relate to the concept of universality in Our Town.

Answer 1

Thornton Wilder's Our Town incorporates unusual theatrical devices from the modernism and minimalism. For example the design of the set which was minimalistic and the differences he had with the typical melodramas of that time. By using this minimalistic and clear set he pretended to be universal. By doing that he accomplished universality in Our Town because he trascended time a d location. It might be anytime, anyplace.

Answer 2

Thornton Wilder's who is our Town incorporates unusual theatrical devices which are for creating a play which was radical in comparison to temperance plays of the time and the melodramas. The uniqueness on the narration of our Town uses asides to directly connect with the audience and to break the fourth wall. 
The design set is so minimal such that it requires the audience to imagine the settings and props. Play breaks away from demands participation of the audience and from restrictions of realism. The whole of the play Wilder builds a theme of universality when referencing ideas and feelings that transcend location and time.
Through the use of flashbacks, he manipulates time, which emphasizes more on ideas that human life is being fleeting. He represents large numbers and presents town which is far away perspective to illustrate the idea such that human life is important in the context of the universe.