Yesterday I asked what it says about your team when your captain is a fourth line winger, today I am pondering the implications of a December waiver wire pickup being your first line center and that same waiver wire pickup scoring one of just two goals against the worst team in the NHL. But those two goals were enough to get the Rangers a much-needed 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. It must have been much-needed because Henrik Lundqvist started, right? These are the games he is supposed to take off - a terrible team at the end of December is not nearly as important the inevitable post-Olympic desperate run for the playoffs but when Tortorella feels he has to cover his own ass he is quite myopic. So Chad sat and Hank started yet another game, made 17 saves and was beat at least five times - one goal that counted, one that didn't and three posts - but still came out with the win. What's Swedish for lucky?
Don't get me wrong, I am happy Erik Christensen got a chance and succeeded. I am happy Henrik Lundqvist was able to get the win. But let's face it folks, this was a team we were supposed to beat and we didn't do it in convincing fashion. Let's at least see how they fare at home against the same Canes on Saturday ... notes:
*Eight minutes into the first period Joe Micheletti asked "dare I say this is a better start than last night?" Well, duh. The team wasn't trailing 2-0 being booed from a near-capacity home crowd. If it was just an attempt to be funny, then it failed - much like most of his analysis. Stop pointing out that Christensen was getting a lot of ice time - he was the first line center, that is what first line centers do, they play a lot. Moron. I turned the audio off after he said it for the third time.
*The funny thing is that I just looked at the final ice times and Christensen played 20:27. Sure, that is a solid amount, but even more shocking is that Chris Drury got 20:30 - including nearly two minutes on the power play. Really? Really? Drury's last power play goal was on March 26th. Yeah.
*While tearing the captain down, I want to give credit where credit is due and say that Ales Kotalik played his best game since the beginning of November. Alice didn't make any egregious turnovers, kept the puck on the right side of the blue line on the power play and managed to get his shot on or close to the Carolina net. Massive improvement across the board. Happy New Year!
*Aaron Voros did more the enough to justify his place in the lineup for another game. Unlike the so-called goon he replaced, Voros got into a fight. And not only did he get into a fight but he won. This is the same guy who has blocked more punches with his face than any Ranger since Darren Langdon so a win is cause for celebration. Bye bye Brashear, you aren't needed here. *How was Girardi/Christensen's first period goal waved off for goaltending interference when the goaltender was at the top of his crease, Christensen was hit by Gleason and didn't fall over the goaltender until the puck was already in? But, in typical fashion the Rangers were penalized instead and Carolina scored on the power play past a clueless, scrambling Lundqvist who actually knocked it in himself.
*I guess the karma meter had the level out and it did when Carolina had a goal waved off in the second period. Dan Girardi shoved the Sutter kid into Hank, knocking the netminder out of position. The puck went into the net, the referee points that it is in but the officials then change their minds and decide to wave it off? Yes it worked in our favour, but that was one horrific decision and one that likely cost the Canes the game.
*So what is wrong with Sean Avery? Late in the first period the guy had an empty net and lackadaisically tried to dunk it in, allowing Gleason to clear. He plays with such an edge so much of the time, why would he he half ass it when the puck was on his stick? Avery hasn't scored in 17 games and has just four goals all season - that's just not enough. I love the guy but that isn't enough.
*The box score shows that Arty Anisimov played but I sure as heck can't remember a single shift of his.
*Pssst, Chris Higgins ... you can't score if you don't shoot. And we really need you to shoot. Love everything else that you do, but please shoot and please score already? Make it a New Years resolution to score more.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Cam Ward - 33 saves.
2-Brandon Dubinsky - one goal.
1-Marian Gaborik - two assists.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars3-Marc Staal - Marc was the better Staal brother on yet another night and looked quite comfortable back with Dan Girardi. The two have always had some chemistry but at times the pairing has gotten stale. After just two games it hasn't reached that point again so let's enjoy the best shutdown pairing we've had since Leetch and Beukaboom.
2-Dubi - It feels like I've typed this a thousand times on this blog but good things happen when you go to the net. Coaches preach that from Day #1 and it is about time a Ranger since Graves listened. Playing on the wing gives him less defensive responsibility so let's hope he keeps crease crashing.
1-Christensen - The guy was given a real chance and, after blowing an empty net against the Flyers, came back with more responsibility and played up to it. Thank goodness.
19-17-4: The "Skin of Our Teeth" - An Exploration of Thornton Wilder's Timeless Play
In the world of theater and literature, few works have stood the test of time like Thornton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth." Written in 1942 during the tumultuous period of World War II, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play defies traditional categorization and explores the timeless themes of human resilience, survival, and the cyclical nature of history. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing world of "The Skin of Our Teeth," examining its historical context, characters, and enduring relevance, while also addressing some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this iconic theatrical masterpiece.
Table of Contents
Introduction to "The Skin of Our Teeth"
The Historical Context of the Play
Characters and Storyline
Themes Explored in the Play
The Impact and Legacy of "The Skin of Our Teeth"
FAQs About "The Skin of Our Teeth"
1. Introduction to "The Skin of Our Teeth"
"The Skin of Our Teeth" is a thought-provoking and experimental play written by Thornton Wilder, a renowned American playwright and novelist. First performed in 1942, the play quickly gained recognition for its innovative narrative structure, rich symbolism, and its ability to address profound themes with wit and humor.
At its core, the play challenges conventional storytelling and blurs the lines between past, present, and future. It takes audiences on a whirlwind journey through time, traversing the Ice Age, the Great Flood, and World War II, all while following the lives of the Antrobus family.
2. The Historical Context of the Play
"The Skin of Our Teeth" was written and first performed during a tumultuous period in history: World War II. This global conflict, marked by immense suffering and uncertainty, profoundly influenced Wilder's work. The play reflects the anxieties and challenges of the time while offering a message of hope and resilience.
Wilder's decision to set the play in the fictional town of Excelsior, New Jersey, allows the narrative to transcend its historical context and speak to universal human experiences across different eras.
3. Characters and Storyline
The play revolves around the Antrobus family, whose members serve as archetypal representations of humanity. The central characters include:
1. Mr. Antrobus: The head of the household, Mr. Antrobus symbolizes human ingenuity, survival instinct, and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
2. Mrs. Antrobus: Mrs. Antrobus represents the nurturing and enduring qualities of humanity. She is a motherly figure who provides emotional stability for her family.
3. Sabina: The Antrobus family's maid, Sabina, adds a touch of chaos and unpredictability to the play. She represents the disruptive forces of human nature and the ever-present temptation of decadence and destruction.
4. Henry and Gladys: The Antrobus children, Henry and Gladys, symbolize the generational transition and the hope for a better future.
The storyline unfolds in three acts, each set in a different era. Act I is set in the Ice Age, Act II during a catastrophic flood, and Act III in a post-apocalyptic world resembling the aftermath of a war. The family's journey through these challenging times mirrors the resilience of humanity throughout history.
4. Themes Explored in the Play
"The Skin of Our Teeth" delves into a wide array of themes and concepts that continue to resonate with audiences:
1. Resilience: The play underscores the indomitable spirit of humanity, emphasizing our ability to endure and adapt in the face of adversity.
2. Cyclical History: Through its time-hopping narrative, the play suggests that history repeats itself, with humanity facing similar challenges and crises across different epochs.
3. Human Nature: The characters in the play represent different facets of human nature, from chaos and destructiveness to love and nurturing.
4. Survival and Hope: Despite the dire circumstances, the Antrobus family clings to hope, highlighting the human instinct to survive and thrive.
5. Theatrical Innovation: Wilder's unconventional approach to storytelling challenges traditional theater norms, encouraging audiences to think critically about the medium itself.
5. The Impact and Legacy of "The Skin of Our Teeth"
"The Skin of Our Teeth" has left an enduring legacy in the world of theater and literature. It continues to be studied, performed, and appreciated for its innovative narrative techniques, complex characters, and exploration of universal themes. The play's enduring relevance lies in its ability to resonate with audiences across different generations and cultures, offering a unique lens through which to view the human experience.
Wilder's work has also influenced subsequent playwrights and artists, inspiring them to experiment with narrative structure and storytelling conventions. The play's exploration of time, history, and humanity's enduring spirit has left an indelible mark on the world of theater.
6. FAQs About "The Skin of Our Teeth"
Q1: Why is the play titled "The Skin of Our Teeth"?
A1: The title is a reference to a biblical passage from the Book of Job (Job 19:20) that speaks of a person's resilience and determination to survive despite overwhelming challenges. It encapsulates the play's central theme of human resilience.
Q2: What makes "The Skin of Our Teeth" a groundbreaking play?
A2: The play is considered groundbreaking due to its unconventional narrative structure, which moves across different time periods, blurring the lines between past, present, and future. It challenges traditional storytelling norms and invites audiences to think critically about history and humanity.
Q3: Has "The Skin of Our Teeth" been adapted into other forms of media?
A3: While the play itself has not been widely adapted into other forms of media, it has been performed in theaters around the world and has left a significant impact on the theatrical arts. It is primarily celebrated as a classic work of theater.
Q4: What is the central message of "The Skin of Our Teeth"?
A4: At its core, the play conveys a message of hope and resilience. It reminds us that, no matter the challenges we face, humanity has a remarkable ability to adapt, survive, and persevere.
7. Conclusion
"The Skin of Our Teeth" by Thornton Wilder stands as a testament to the enduring power of theater to explore complex themes and challenge conventional storytelling norms. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this groundbreaking play continues to captivate audiences with its inventive narrative structure and its exploration of the timeless themes of resilience, survival, and the cyclical nature of history.
As we revisit the Antrobus family's journey through time and adversity, we are reminded of the enduring spirit of humanity, a spirit that prevails through the "skin of our teeth." Thornton Wilder's masterpiece continues to inspire, provoke thought, and offer a unique lens through which to examine the human experience.
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