It is very necessary to have markers of beauty left in a world seemingly bent on making the most evil ugliness

It is very necessary to have markers of beauty left in a world seemingly bent on making the most evil ugliness

Thornton Wilder, the renowned American playwright and novelist, understood the importance of beauty in a world that often seems consumed by darkness and ugliness. Throughout his works, Wilder emphasized the need for markers of beauty to be preserved and celebrated, even in the face of overwhelming evil.

In his Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Our Town," Wilder explores the beauty of everyday life and the importance of cherishing the simple moments that make up our existence. Set in the fictional town of Grover's Corners, the play follows the lives of the Gibbs and Webb families as they navigate the trials and tribulations of small-town life. Through the character of the Stage Manager, Wilder reminds us of the beauty that can be found in the most ordinary of moments, from a mother's love to the sound of a train whistle in the distance.

Wilder's belief in the power of beauty to transcend the ugliness of the world is also evident in his novel, "The Bridge of San Luis Rey." The novel tells the story of five people who perish when a bridge collapses in Peru, and explores the interconnectedness of their lives. Despite the tragedy that unfolds, Wilder's prose is imbued with a sense of beauty and grace, as he delves into the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of love.