We've Come Through It Again: The Skin of Our Teeth, the Myth of Sisyphus, and Thornton Wilder's American Existentialism
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2022
Department 1
Philosophy
Department 2
Theatre Arts
Abstract
While previous scholars have connected Wilder’s works to “orthodox” existentialism, a close analysis of Camus’ The Myth of Sisyphus and Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth, both published in 1942, and of Wilder’s relationship to existentialist thought, reveals a more complicated correlation. Whereas Camus’ “orthodox” existentialism stems from the cynicism of post-World War I Europe, Wilder’s version, what we term “American existentialism,” differs in seeking meaning through a collective, progressive, and hopeful worldview.
Recommended Citation
Russell, Susan, Steven Gimbel, and Jennifer Gaffney. "We’ve Come Through It Again: The Skin of our Teeth, the Myth of Sisyphus, and Thornton Wilder's American Existentialism." New England Theatre Journal 33, (2022): 77-106.