Using the perfect scenario of a small town, Thorton Wilder creates a certain warmth that reflects in each character. Even though the play takes place in the early 1900's in Grover's Corners New Hampshire, it's a classic and practically anyone can relate to it, even if you didn't grow up in a small town. The play takes you through the lives of two All-American families growing up, experiencing love, life, and death. The two families, the Gibbs and the Webbs, live next door to each other and each have a daughter and a son. Through the years two of the children, George Gibbs and Emily Webb, develop an attraction toward each other that later on leads to love and marriage. Most teenagers can somehow relate to George and Emily. George is an All-American boy who plays baseball and struggles with his schoolwork. Emily, on the other hand, is insecure and very bright in school. Together they share a couple of sentimental moments, including a conversation over an ice cream soda. Although the characters of George and Emily are the main focus of the play, Wilder gives great characterizations of the townspeople from the paperboy to the town drunk, Mr. Stimson. Wilder also includes an excellent description of the town, its history, its geography, and its culture. Another theme present in the play that makes it worth reading is the theme of death. Wilder challenges the views of the living to enjoy every precious moment of life and live it to the fullest. All in all, reading the play is good if you want to take time to let the words and meaning of the play sink in. However, seeing the play might bring about a better understanding. If you are the sentimental type and like small town life, I definitely recommend this play. If not, it might be a little boring to you. Over all, it is a good play because of its universal approach to teach an important lesson about life.