Our Town Life, Consciousness, and Existence Quotes
How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
That’s what it was to be alive. To move about in a cloud of ignorance; to go up and down trampling on the feelings of those…of those about you…Now you know – that’s the happy existence you wanted to go back to. Ignorance and blindness (III.263).
Simon argues that one person’s topic of gossip is another person’s sorrow.
George has just been elected President of the Junior Class, and as it’s June, that means he’ll be President of the Senior Class all next year. And Emily’s just been elected Secretary and Treasurer. I don’t have to tell you how important that is. (II.176-8)
Although these are minor, mundane triumphs that occur in a minor, mundane town, the Stage Manager emphasizes their importance.